The family of the late musician Prince held a private memorial service yesterday (August 12) with close friends at a Minneapolis church.

Prince's cousin said they are attempting to preserve the legend's image, after people have been spreading false and unkind rumours about him since his death.

The world was shocked earlier this year in April when the iconic musician was found dead at the age of 57 in his Paisley Park mansion after an accidental overdose of the painkiller fentanyl. 

A second memorial service is set to be held today at Prince's former home in Paisley Park. The mysterious 55,000 square foot complex was built by Prince in 1983 and was a creative hub for the superstar, featuring a recording studio and performance space. Early this year is was reported that the building is set to become a Prince museum.

A public tribute is also scheduled to be held at the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis in October.

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Watch the late Prince in action below: