Prince Mourned at Private Religious Memorial Service in Minnesota

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.”



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."


Prince's sister, Tyka -- who has been very vocal since her brother's death -- told fans via Facebook on Friday that she would not attend the funeral, and the singer's remains were not at the service.

"I nor my brother's remains will be present at any Memorial or Funeral services, until the families Memorial/Funeral/Tribute," she wrote. "Please Don't misunderstand...The grief process is a unique experience to each individual and Therefore I support any and all Memorials or Funerals that have happened and/or are being planned...However I will Not be in attendance, because I feel that once…is enough."

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