Millions of fans around the world may be in mourning over the shocking death of Prince, but Mayte Garcia is taking this stunning news harder than most.
That’s because she was once married to the iconic musician.
Garcia, who married Prince in 1996 and split from him in 2000, has released a statement through her manager that reads as follows:
“I can’t even think of the words of what I’m feeling. This man was my everything, we had a family. I am beyond deeply saddened and devastated.”
Garcia met Prince in 1990 and was later hired to dance on one of his tours.
The singer-songwriter went on to produce an album for his eventual, who he wed in Minneapolis and who served as the inspiration behind the single “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.”
In 1996, tragedy struck the couple when they lost their son, Gregory, at just a week old to Pfeiffer syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the skull and bones in the hands and feet.
Garcia and Prince officially divorced four years later.
“I loved him then, I love him now and will love him eternally,” Garcia added. “He’s with our son now.”
The seven-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee was found dead at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota on Thursday morning.
The Carver County’s Sheriff Office is currently investigating the circumstances of his death.
The incident took place just days after Prince was hospitalized for a mysterious illness that new reports are linking to a possible drug overdose.
“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,” the star’s publicist confirmed yesterday, concluding:
“There are no further details as to the cause of death at this time.”
