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Prince Cremated, Private Memorial Held

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- Prince's family and closest friends said goodbye to the late musician Saturday.

Prince was cremated and celebrated afterward in a small, private service by a group of his "most beloved" family, friends and musicians, his publicist said.

Yvette Noel-Schure said in a statement that the 57-year-old music superstar's family and friends gathered "in a private, beautiful ceremony" to say a loving goodbye.

The statement said the "final storage" of Prince's remains would be private.

"We ask for your blessings and prayers of comfort for his family and close friends at this time," the statement said.

It said a "musical celebration" would be held at a future date.

Prince's brother-in-law Maurice Phillips told fans news of Prince's death was shocking.

"She didn't tell me until we were two stop lights out there from getting [to Paisley Park] and I almost had a fit," Phillips said.

"It's not easy to lose someone you love," said Sheila E.

Prince's close friend and former fiance expressed her gratitude for the worldwide support shown since losing the musical icon.

"Thank you guys very much, we appreciate it," she said.

A public memorial is still being planned.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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