In a bittersweet statement released on Thursday, Prince‘s Canadian ex-wife, Manuela Testolini, shared her grief with the world.
“Prince and I had a magical journey together and I loved him immensely. The world knew him as a musical genius – I knew him as a husband, friend and fierce philanthropist,” a statement obtained by ET Canada read. “Philanthropy brought us together and it was Prince who encouraged me to start my own charity over 10 years ago.”
READ MORE: Mariah Carey reacts to Prince’s death: “I’ll never get over it’
The 39-year-old Toronto-native, who is now married to Eric Benet, went on to reveal her plans to build a school in his honour. She had been in contact with the star only days prior to his death to share the big news.
“I just reached out to him a few days ago to let him know that I was building a school in his honour. My heart aches that the school will now be built in his memory,” she continued.
“His passing leaves me with such a devastating feeling of pain and loss. The love we shared, the music he made and our life together is forever engraved in my heart. I will always love and respect him.”
READ MORE: Sheriff’s deputies found Prince’s “unresponsive” body in an elevator
“I am heartbroken beyond words,” Testolini says at the conclusion of her note.
Prince and Testolini tied the knot in 2001 before divorcing five years later.
Prince, 57, died at his Paisley Park Estate in Minnesota on Thursday.
In honour of the passing of Prince, ET Canada is counting down his top five songs that influenced the musical masses.
A repeat episode of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ from 1996 featuring Prince will air on Saturday, April 23 at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET on OWN Canada.