The entertainment industry is in mourning.

Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer known for his collaborations with artists like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, passed away on Sunday at the age of 91, as confirmed by his publicist.

As the producer of Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album and the charitable anthem “We Are the World,” Jones amassed nearly 30 Grammy Awards over his lifetime, received several Oscar nominations for his work in film music, and was honored with a National Medal of Arts. He leaves behind seven children, including actress Rashida Jones.

Messages of condolence began to flow from colleagues and fans alike who admired Jones’s immense contributions to music. LL Cool J reflected fondly on Jones as a “father and example during a time when I really needed it,” describing him as a “mentor,” “role model,” and “king.” He previously expressed that Jones provided him with invaluable guidance early in his career.

“Without you, music would not be the same,” LL Cool J posted on Instagram. “My deepest sympathies to his family. I love you, Quincy. May you rest in the sweetest music forever.”

Michael Caine, who had Quincy score his 1969 film “The Italian Job,” referred to him as his “celestial twin” and acknowledged him as “a titan of music.” Both Caine and Jones share the same birthday, March 14, and Jones previously noted on Facebook that they were born “on the same day, month, year, and even HOUR!”

“He was a remarkable and truly one-of-a-kind individual, and I was fortunate to have known him,” Caine stated on X.

Colman Domingo expressed immense joy from their first meeting, saying he was “so thrilled” that he “literally kneeled before him as he was a King.” Domingo also expressed gratitude for Jones’s role as a producer on his 2023 film “The Color Purple,” crediting him for “giving us the sound.”

Darius Rucker labeled Jones as “one of the greatest” and shared on X that the “world will surely miss him.”

Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis reminisced about her personal connection to Jones, revealing that he bought the house she grew up in and raised his family there. “Knowing that his children played in the same beautiful, rustic eucalyptus tree setting fills me with joy,” she posted on Instagram.

Gloria Estefan shared on Instagram that the “world feels different” without Jones, who was her daughter Emily’s godfather, stating he “is no longer part of it.”

“Throughout his life, Quincy made our lives better with every note he played and the love he shared with everyone he encountered,” Estefan expressed. “I feel honored to have known him and to witness the brilliance of ‘Q’, Mr. Quincy Jones.”

Katie Couric posted a photo with Jones on Instagram, singing his praises as “one of the greats.” Tyler Perry, similarly affected, shared a picture with Jones and expressed that his heart was “broken” by the news.

“I was so privileged to have known you, Q, and to have dedicated a soundstage in your honor,” Perry remarked. “You brought not only music and light into the world, but also shared so much of your wisdom with me. I will miss you, my friend. Sending prayers to your family.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda remarked that “a genius has left us” and expressed gratitude for all that Jones contributed, while Josh Gad thanked him for “taking us on thrilling musical adventures, elevating us to new heights, and reminding us that we are indeed the world.”

Isaac Hayes III, the son of the legendary musician Isaac Hayes, shared his thoughts on the fact that Quincy Jones didn’t create Michael Jackson’s iconic album “Thriller” until he was in his late 40s. Hayes noted, “One of the most significant achievements in his life, and perhaps of all time, happened during the middle of his life.”

He emphasized that there is often too much pressure to achieve success at a young age, which can leave many feeling like their chances to excel have passed. “It’s never too late to strive for greatness or discover your true self. Quincy Jones should always be a source of motivation to continue pushing yourself and embracing life’s journey,” he added.

Contributing: Reuters