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FILE - In this Feb. 8, 2015, file photo, Prince presents the award for album of the year at the 57th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Beyond dance parties and hit songs, Prince’s legacy included black activism. He said black lives matter before presenting a 2015 Grammy. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP, File)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A cousin of Prince says family members and close friends gathered in Minneapolis to say goodbye to the musician and remember his life.

Prince died April 21 of an accidental drug overdose. He was 57.

Cousin Chazz Smith told KARE-TV that Friday’s service was held at a Minneapolis church. Another private service is planned for Saturday at Paisley Park.

Smith says the last few months have been hard. He says the family is doing its best to preserve Prince’s image as others have come forward with false stories about the superstar.

Smith said he’s proud to be Prince’s cousin, and he hopes his death from a fentanyl overdose will help others struggling with painkillers.

A public tribute for Prince is scheduled for October at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

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(Photo Source: AP)