Stevie Wonder on Prince: 'It's a heartbreak to lose a member of that army of love'

The world lost an artist on Thursday, but musician Stevie Wonder also lost a close friend and musical partner. 

After the death of singer and musical icon Prince, Wonder spoke to CNN from the heart about his friend's legacy and reflected the sadness permeating music fans around the world.

Wonder speaks with his characteristic softness, thick with emotion. When CNN's Anderson Cooper asked the singer if he could perform something, Wonder declined. 

"I think I would probably break down if I do a song right now," Wonder said a slightly choked tone.

"He was a great musician, he loved music, he loved playing his instrument," Wonder told Cooper. earlier in the interview. "The times that we did jam together were amazing...he brought all the various cultures together. He could play classical music if he wanted to, he could play jazz if he wanted to, he could play country if he wanted to. He played rock, he played blues, he played pop, he played everything. 

Wondered likened Prince's versatility and ability to play many instruments to an artist painting a picture. The two of them collaborated several times over the years, including at a Paris concert in 2010 and a secret show at the White House in 2015."

"The heartbreak is to see this man who was so talented be taken away from us," Wonder said in the interview. "But I know that the almighty God has far greater things for him to do eternally. So I just hope that we celebrate his music and his purpose that he fulfilled."

Prince and Wonder performing together at the 2006 BET Awards. Credit: Getty/frazer harrison

"I'm just glad that I was able to say to him 'I love you' the last time I saw him," Wonder said.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.