The woman brought to fame as Prince's co-star in Purple Rain, the movie, has finally spoken on the passing of her ex. The world got to know Apollonia [born Patricia Kotero] by her professional name as soon as they caught a glimpse of her on the screen, with actors playing themselves in the quasi-biographical flick. The 56-year-old former model and television actress would never have come to such stardom if not by chance, and much to do with Prince himself when he recruited her as a replacement after his former protege, Vanity, resigned from his Vanity 6 girl group. Vanity 6 would be re-named Apollonia 6, Apollonia would play Apollonia -- and the rest as they say is history.
"My dear friends and family, thank you so much for your sentiments and prayers. The love you have shown for my dear friend Prince has been my support system. Your dedication to him is profound and beyond words. Please know that during these most difficult days I have spent my time with my close friend and media consultant Elliot Mintz. He has been my guide and guardian angel as I want to honor and continue to have the greatest respect for Prince and his preference for privacy. When I am ready and it's appropriate I will share with you all that is in my heart and all that is my truth. Thank you for your love, understanding and patience," she wrote, via Facebook.
Like many of Prince's other female proteges, Apollonia's association with The Purple One made her something of an 80's cult icon. Thanks to their partnership she would go on to branch off into a singing career, laying vocals on his "Take Me with U", belting such Apollonia 6 hits as "Sex Shooter" and the original "Manic Monday", and eventually delivering a self-titled solo album in 1988. Just this past February Apollonia joined Prince in saying goodbye to her predecessor, upon news that Vanity, with whom she would eventually forge a relationship, had passed.
"She was a pioneer and a strong woman," she said in a statement. "She was a diva; the princess of funk... She was an inspiration to me, just like she was to all the ladies that followed."
Source: bossip.com
