Social media explodes as Prince tributes mark death of music icon

(REUTERS) The sudden death of music legend Prince sent shockwaves through social media on Thursday, as masses of Twitter users flooded the site to express their heart-felt emotions.

Actors, musicians and celebrities quickly jumped on social media, sending tributes and messages of sadness as news of the singer's death hit media outlets.

"'A strong spirit transcends rules,' Prince once said—and nobody's spirit was stronger, bolder, or more creative," tweeted President Barack Obama (@BarackObama) on Thursday.

In the first five hours after news broke of his death, 25 million people had 61 million Facebook interactions related to his legacy, said a spokeswoman for the social media site.

"Prince" became the top-trending term on Twitter worldwide shortly after his death was reported, with more than 6 million tweets paying tribute to the musician.

"He Changed The World!! A True Visionary," tweeted Madonna (@Madonna) "What a loss. I'm Devastated."

Celebrities around the globe used social media to highlight the singer and his influential, genre-defying music combining jazz, funk, R&B and disco. Prince won seven Grammy awards and an Oscar.

God bless this creative giant. Thanks Prince," tweeted former Beatle Paul McCartney.

Actor-singer Will Smith said in a Facebook post that he was "stunned and heartbroken," and had just spoken to Prince the night before his death.

"Today, Jada & I mourn with all of you the loss of a beautiful poet, a true inspiration, and one of the most magnificent artists to ever grace this earth," he said.

Veteran R&B artist Lionel Richie said on Twitter, "I can't believe it, I'm in total shock. So many wonderful memories, I will miss him."

Prince first found fame in the late 1970s, and over the next three decades became known as one of the most inventive and eccentric forces in American pop music.

"Numb. Stunned. This can't be real," added pop star Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake).

"Prince the doves really are crying now. Listening to your music. Remembering you. #RIPPrince," tweeted Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah).