Read ‘Purple Rain’ Director’s Heartbreaking Sendoff to ‘Friend’ Prince

Albert Magnoli, the writer and director of Prince’s debut feature film “Purple Rain” says the news of the music legend’s death “is very difficult to process.”

In a statement on his website, Magnoli writes that Prince was not only his creative partner, but a friend.

“We shared tremendous times together during and after the making of Purple Rain,” Magnoli says. “He was a good man, complicated and diligent, and like men of his caliber, he always demanded from himself and others the very best.”

Magnoli ends his tribute with a heartbreaking sendoff, “Travel well, friend, wherever your next journey takes you.”

“Purple Rain” grossed more than $80 million at the box office in 1984 and became a cult classic. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. It was also nominated for two Razzie Awards: Worst New Star for Apollonia Kotero and Worst Original Song for “Sex Shooter.”

The singer’s body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Carver County, Minnesota, on Thursday morning, the local sheriff’s office confirmed in a tweet.

“Prince Rogers Nelson (57) found dead at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, MN,” the tweet read. “We are investigating the circumstances of his death.”

Carver County officials reported “a medical, Paisley Park … for a male down not breathing,” per the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

While the cause of death has not been confirmed, Prince’s private plane made an emergency landing at Quad City International Airport in Moline, Illinois, last Friday morning as the singer was en route home from a concert in Atlanta.

Read Magnoli’s full tribute to Prince here.

“The news of Prince’s sudden and unexpected passing is very difficult to process. He was my creative partner and friend. We shared tremendous times together during and after the making of Purple Rain. I know his fans are devastated. I know his music meant so very much to so many people. He was a good man, complicated and diligent, and like men of his caliber, he always demanded from himself and others the very best. Travel well, friend, wherever your next journey takes you.”

Watch the trailer for “Purple Rain” below: