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As the world is still trying to grasp the death of Whitney Houston, celebrities, politicians, friends and family have taken to social media to voice their shock and sadness at the loss of one of the greatest women and voices of our generation.

Read below for public reactions:

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Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: “Her music inspired millions and the power of her voice was hard to match in its depth and crystalline beauty.”

Cory Booker: “RIP Whitney Houston, a Legend and great American artist. And always, one of Newark’s and New Jersey’s treasured daughters.”

Rev. Al Sharpton: “I am stunned at the passing of Whitney Houston whom I have known since the late 1980’s. I have known her mother, the great gospel singer Cissy, and her aunt Dionne Warwick, down through the years, and the world is saddened by this great loss. Tomorrow Morning at Second Baptist Church in Los Angeles I will call for a national prayer for her family and the memory of Whitney Houston. The morning of the Grammys, the world should pause and pray for the memory of a gifted songbird.”

Quincy Jones: ”I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney’s passing.  Ashford & Simpson first made me aware of Whitney when she was just sixteen, and I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her.  She was a true original and a talent beyond compare.  I will miss her terribly.”

Mariah Carey: “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.”

Filmmaker Spike Lee: “God Bless The Dead. Whitney Houston R.I.P. She Was Only 48 Years Young.”

Sherri Shepherd: “Praying for Whitney Houston’s family. Especially her daughter Bobbi Kristina Whitney I hope you found the peace in Heaven that you could never seem to find down here. RIP Ms. Houston “where do broken hearts go” and “#WhitneyHouston dead at 48 … I can’t believe it… I’m sitting here absolutely in shock… hard to breathe right now #senseless #death”

Russell Simmons: “R.I.P. Whitney Houston, really can’t believe this.”

Katy Perry: “So devastating. We will always love you Whitney, R.I.P.”

Mariah Carey: “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.”

Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy: “A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice.”

Smokey Robinson: “I’ve know Whitney since she was a little girl and I loved her. She was like family to me. I will miss her.”

Aretha Franklin: “I just can’t talk about it now. It’s so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn’t believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy (Houston’s mother), her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby (Brown).”