Carmen Electra was "in shock" after learning of Prince's death on Thursday, telling E! News that she was saddened to lose her ex-boyfriend and mentor.
"He always talked about life, not death. He was excited about music," Electra said. "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."
Prince famously helped shape Electra's career and even came up with her stage name after she auditioned for a girl group of his (Electra was born Tara Leigh Patrick).
"I received a call from Prince saying, 'I think you should be your own artist and not back up anyone else. I'm going to write you a song and if you like it, you can record it,'" Electra said in an OWN interview. "The next day I hear the song. The name of the song was called 'Carmen on Top.' My name is Tara, so I was confused. I loved the song. I loved it, but he said, 'You're not a Tara. You're not Tara. You're Carmen.' And I went, 'OK, I can get into this.'"
Electra posted photos of Prince on Instagram throughout the day on Thursday, writing "I love u Prince hope you're comfortable and peaceful now 💜 Play on my love play on."
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