Prince's remains cremated after autopsy

Late American music icon Prince's remains were cremated after an autopsy to decide the cause of his death. Also, a memorial concert will be held, said his publicist on Saturday.

A file photo of late American music icon Prince.

"A few hours ago, Prince was celebrated by a small group of his most beloved: family, friends and his musicians, in a private, beautiful ceremony to say a loving goodbye," his publicist Anna Meacham said in a statement. "Prince's remains have been cremated and their final storage place will remain private. We ask for your blessings and prayers of comfort for his family and close friends at this time."

She added, "The cause of his death remains unknown and it will be at least four weeks before we receive the results of the autopsy. An announcement will be made at a future date for a musical celebration.”

Prince unexpectedly died on Thursday at the age of 57, resulting in worldwide mourning, including condolences from President Obama.

The "Purple Rain" superstar was found unresponsive in an elevator and pronounced dead at his home and studio in Paisley Park. There were no signs of trauma on Prince's body, said the local sheriff on Friday. An autopsy was completed on Friday, but officials said it could take days or weeks before results are released.

Authorities plan to search Paisley Park in the coming days. "We have no reason to believe at this point that this was a suicide," Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson told reporters on Friday.

Prince is expected to re-enter the U.S. Billboard album chart at number one with his hits collection "The Very Best of Prince" which is on course to top the sales chart.

Meanwhile Prince's 1984 Oscar-winning film "Purple Rain" is returning to theaters as AMC is teaming up with Warner Bros. to screen the classic in 87 AMC theaters from April 23 to 27. Carmike Theaters, which is merging with AMC, is also airing the film in 80 theaters. The Cannes Film Festival will also host a tribute to Prince, but the details have not yet been revealed.

Prince is survived by his sister Tyka Nelson, aged 55, who could be awarded the estimated US$800 million estate, including the artist’s unreleased music under Minnesota state law if the singer, who had no children or wives, died with no will.

"He really loved you all," said Nelson to the hundreds of grieving mourners while leaving Paisley Park on Thursday, "Thank you for loving him back."

Prince, the legendary and innovative singer, musician, songwriter, multiple instrumentalist and actor, was regarded as the pioneer of the Minneapolis sound and sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. He has been acclaimed as a major figure in U.S. popular music and pop culture for over three decades with hits such as "Purple Rain," "When Doves Cry" and more.