Carmen Electra will "always love" Prince.
The 44-year-old singer, actress and model was discovered by the late music legend – who was found dead at his Paisley Park estate on Thursday (21.04.16) – and signed to his Paisley Park Records in 1991 and is thankful that he always "believed" in her.
Referencing his song ‘Sometimes it Snows in April’, Carmen – whose real name is Tara Leigh Patrick – said: "He gave me my name, he believed in me, and he has inspired an entire generation. I will always love him … ‘ Sometimes it Snows in April’."
Carmen – who also briefly dated the singer at the beginning of her career – is "heartbroken" by the passing of her "mentor" but feels blessed to have known him as well as she did.
She told PEOPLE magazine: "I was so shocked and heartbroken to hear about the loss of my mentor.
"The world has lost a truly incredible spirit and musical genius. What a blessing it is to be one of the chosen ones who had the chance to work so closely with him."
The ‘Scary Movie’ star is particularly "shocked" he’s passed away because he was "god" like.
She told E! News: "He always talked about life, not death. He was excited about music. But, back then he talked a lot about God, but not about religion. Prince was like a god. Maybe that’s why I’m so shocked he’s passed away."