National Basketball Association

Iconic pop star Prince found dead at his home

Published Apr. 21, 2016 1:29 p.m. ET

Kerouac Smith

Legendary recording artist Prince died at his Paisley Park home in Minnesota on Thursday, his publicist confirmed to the Associated Press.

"It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57," publicist Yvette Noel-Schure said.

A small group of fans gather in the rain on a hillside opposite Prince's home and studios at Paisley Park. https://t.co/VQp7fOydvJ
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 21, 2016

His publicist said he'd been battling a flu for weeks. He was rushed to a hospital after an emergency plane landing last week.

Prince was an avid basketball fan, playing during his high school days, requently attending NBA games and even throwing a three-hour private concert for the Minnesota Lynx when they won the WNBA championship last year.

Another Prince-related clip from the Strib archives, looking back at his hooping days at Bryant Junior High. pic.twitter.com/LrIQZ3LhSg
— Libor Jany (@StribJany) March 3, 2015

He also was famously parodied by Dave Chappelle over his love for hoops and private home games.

Prince (left) with Spike Lee at the NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden in 1998.

The highly influential musician was also a tennis fan, turning up at Roland Garros to watch Rafael Nadal play the French Open in 2014.

Prince always showed up in style.

Prince's arguably biggest sports claim to fame, however, was the 2007 Super Bowl halftime show, an epic 12-minute set in the rain that ended with him playing "Purple Rain" through during the downpour.

Nobody will ever forget Prince's incredible #SuperBowl performance of Purple Rain, in the rain! #Prince https://t.co/wnAjeOxENI
— Dave O'Grady (@DaveOGrady1) April 21, 2016