Celebs like Nick Cannon, Melanie Fiona, Ice Cube, Chris Paul, Mike Tyson have offered "R.I.P." and condolences. And Questlove posted a whole piece about Don's impact. And plenty of celebs have recalled their own Saturday morning Soul Train memories in tribute of Don Cornelius.
Check out how Hollywood is mourning inside...
As details surface of Don Cornelius' apparent suicide, such as one of his sons making the 9-1-1 call, no suicide note left, and images of authorities surrounding the estate, celebs are mourning the loss of a television icon.
Not only did he own his tv company and his entire record-setting show "Soul Train," he revolutionized the way we produce and consume music television--especially for black artists. Here's a few of the celeb tweets:
Kevin Hart: RIP Don Cornelius "Love Peace & Soul"
Egypt Sherrod: The news about Don Cornelius' suicide really blew me away today. U just never know someone's pain....R.I.P.
Slash: Really sorry to hear the news about Don Cornelius. He was quite the maverick in his time. Soul Train had a tremendous impact. Sad.
Marlon Wayans: RIP don cornelius. A legend, a pioneer, a genius. In your immortal words “love peace & soul” make God boogie..
Marsha Ambrosius: I remember thinking I'd 'made it' after performing on Soul Train. Career moment I'll never forget. Rest in Love Peace & Soul Don Cornelius.
Mary J. Blige: Not good news to wake up to. I'm here in LA one town over from Sherman Oaks.
L.A. Reid: R.I.P.Don Cornelius. A true American Icon.
Snoop Dogg: RIP Don Cornelius. LOVE PEACE AND SOOOOUUULLLL 4eva
Ledisi: R.I.P Mr.Don Cornelius thank you for leaving behind a legacy of Soul.You gave so many a chance to be seen and heard.MyPayers 2your family.
Earvin Magic Johnson: Don Cornelius was a pioneer & a trailblazer. He was the first African-American to create, produce, host & more importantly OWN his own show. Don’s contribution to us all is immeasurable. My condolences to his son & my good friend Tony Cornelius & the entire Cornelius family.
Blair Underwood: Huge loss this am! Just heard that Don Cornelius the founder of Soul Train died this morning around 4am here in LA. Don was always very cool with me & very supportive. My condolences to Tony, Christina & the entire family. Very sad day for the family & all of us that knew Mr. Don Cornelius, an icon & trailblazer!
Wendy Raquel Robinson: Sending my love to Don Cornelius and family! I am eternally thankful for all that you've done for us all! #soultrain dancer 4 life!
Brian Mcknight: I was really sad when I woke up to hear of the passing of an icon a mentor and more Importantly my friend Don Cornelius we will miss u !!
LeToya Luckett: OMG! So sad! #RIP
Naturi Naughton: OMG! Don Cornelius found dead today...I am in shock! What a legend and pioneer. My prayers are with his family!
Young Jeezy: 1st day of black history month. R.I.P Don Cornelius
Lance Gross: Love...peace...& soul...RIP Don Cornelius
Keri Hilson: Black music never looked so good. R.I.P. Don Cornelius.
Andy Cohen: RIP the GREAT Don Cornelius! #PeopleAllOverTheWorld #KingOfSoul #Smooth #SoulTrainLine
Gabby Union: Love, Peace & Soul #RIP
Omar Epps: RIP Don Cornelius! Thank you for creating a platform which helped uplift me throughout my childhood!
Mia X: R.I.P. Don Cornelius Soul Train "The Hippest Trip In America" was the BEST!!!!!!
DJ D-Nice: Before hip-hop became mainstream, there weren't many platforms for us to display our talents. Thank you Don Cornelius & Soul Train.
Robin Roberts: Very sad to hear about the death of Don Cornelius, former host of Soul Train. Grew up watching that show: "peace, love and sooooul". RIP
LaLa Anthony: Sad and stunned about Don Cornelius. Praying for his family.. May he Rest In Peace...
Rocsi Diaz: This is so sad ...
AJ Calloway: We lost a LEGEND R.I.P Don Cornelius may God have mercy on your soul. #Devastated
Malinda Williams: R.I.P Don Cornelius a fearless innovator and pioneer in the entertainment industry.
Beverly Bond: RIP Don Cornelius :( He did so much for our culture. Peace Love & Soul my brother!
Towanda Braxton: So sad to hear about the legendary Don Cornelius. My favorite performance on Soul Train....The Jackson 5! God Bless his family!
Spinderella: Very sad news about Don Cornelius.. May his soul rest 'peacefully'
Sole: RIP Don Cornelius I just heard. How terrible :( I pray for his family &loved ones. How sad. I met Don several times performing on Soul Train
Charlamagne Tha God: First day of Black History Month Don Cornelius kills himself. I'm pretty sure it's all down hill for this month from here people....
Aretha Franklin said in a statement: "It's just so sad, stunning and downright shocking ... a huge and momentous loss to the African-American community and the world at large.
Don Cornelius single handedly brought about a melding and unity of brother and sisterhood among young adults worldwide and globally with the unforgettable creation of Soul Train."
Michael and The Jackson 5 appearing on "Soul Train" to perform "I Want You Back" and talking with Don Cornelius
Shemar Moore, who took over hosting duties for 5 years in the 90's, put out a heartfelt statement about his predecessor:
"My heart is heavy after hearing the news of Don's passing.I can't imagine what his son, Tony, and extended family must be feeling. I am truly sorry that such an iconic man has left us too soon.
Don Cornelius was responsible for a show that revolutionized the music industry, introduced the world to many of the biggest superstars of music, and showed generation after generation over 40 years how to keep it funky and get your groove on every Saturday morning on the 'hippest trip in America'...Soul Train. It was truly my honor to continue the tradition and be a part of history by being given the opportunity by Don to host Soul Train for five years.
I didn't dare try to fill his shoes because it just couldn't be done. Don was the man! And as always in parting, me and your Soul Train family wish you, Don -- love, peace and soul! Rest in peace, my friend."
Rock In Peace Mr. Cornelius....
Pic via INF