Legendary
musician Prince was remembered at a private funeral at Jehovah's Witness
Kingdom Hall in Minnetonka, Minnesota, on Sunday.
Though the singer was cremated shortly
after his death on April 21 at age 57, the private, invite-only
event marked a formal laying to rest.
Several celebs
attended the private, scripture-driven service, including comedian Sinbad. A
source inside the service told ET that the guests consisted mostly of the
singer's friends and congregation, adding that a few of the singer's family
members may also have attended.
"Prince
Rogers Nelson was born on June 7, 1958. As a musician his accomplishments speak
for themselves and offer undeniable testimony to his artistry and talent,"
read the elegant program for the service. "However, he also had a deep
interest in spiritual things. In 1996, he began to study the Bible and enjoy
warm friendship with Jehovah's Witnesses. Then, on March 28, 2003, after seven
years of Bible study, he symbolized his personal dedication to God and was baptized
as one of Jehovah's Witnesses."
View photos
The program also
included a quote from the singer himself, who said, "If I were to ever
write down my life story, I could truly say with all the fame and glory, I was
just a piece of clay in need of the potter's hand."
Sly and the
Family Stone bassist Larry Graham, who is credited with introducing Prince to
the Jehovah's Witness faith, spoke about his friend and fellow musician at the
service.
"Prince
found great peace and fulfillment in his relationship with Jehovah God,"
the program continued. "He also found great satisfaction in sharing the
things he learned from the Bible with others. He did this faithfully up until
his death on April 21, 2016. Our dear friend Prince now takes his rest and
awaits the time when 'all those in the memorial tombs will hear Jesus' voice
and come out.'"
The singer's
longtime bodyguard and director of security, Romeo, spoke to reporters outside
the service, calling it "a beautiful ceremony, a true tribute to
Prince."
Like the singer himself, the ceremony was meant to be private, Romeo explained, though he would divulge that the service was another testament to Prince's lasting legacy.
"People come together, not only here but around the globe, to give thanks to this man, everything he's done to change the world through his music through his efforts and his strive to be a better person and help others be better people," he added. "This right here is just a small thank you to what he's done for everyone."
Like the singer himself, the ceremony was meant to be private, Romeo explained, though he would divulge that the service was another testament to Prince's lasting legacy.
"People come together, not only here but around the globe, to give thanks to this man, everything he's done to change the world through his music through his efforts and his strive to be a better person and help others be better people," he added. "This right here is just a small thank you to what he's done for everyone."
Comments
Post a Comment