The people I've known with addictions that bad didn't live 35 years with it, those years being spent being idolized. They often didn't make it more than a few years once the addiction got that bad. Their lives, careers and relationships fell apart. Their funerals weren't accompanied by twitter tributes, but with their loved ones fighting to see the good n the midst of the colossal waste that their addiction had wrought. They didn't have a rich family to whisk them off to rehab. They had to steal beg and borrow to fuel their addictions, not just dip into their allowances, trust funds, or what have you. So yes, money and fame allow people of privilege to get away with not treating addiction or suffer the poisonous consequences that is mortals do when bitten by the same snake.
Prince didn't live 35 years with addiction, it was far more recent that that when he became addicted to pain killers for his hip. And he didn't have anyone in his life to "whisk him off to rehab". He'd still be alive if he did.
His father died
His mother died
His only sibling who had been actively involved in his life died
His son died one week old
Prince died completely alone in his 70,000 square foot home/recording complex a week after nearly died from overdose. There was absolutely nobody in his life in a position to take a stand and convince him to get the help he clearly needed.
It is simply unbelievable that his life was saved one week yet no real steps were taken to help him before it was ultimately too late because there wasn't really anyone in his life who wasn't ultimately an employee who could be fired.
Prince isn't being praised for his addiction, he's dead because of his addiction. He's being praised for being one of the very best composers/musicians/singers to ever live. His body of work is unbelievable and the 42 released studio albums (several of which are 2 and 3 disc sets) are only a fraction of the music he created.
If he was only a singer, he'd be a legend
If he was only a composer, he'd be a legend
If he was only a lead guitar player, he'd be a legend
if he was only a rhythm guitar player, he'd be a legend
If he was only a bass player, he'd be a legend
If he was only a piano player, he'd be a legend
If he was only a synthesizer player, he'd be a legend
He wrote songs under other names (Jamie Starr, Alexander Nevermind, etc) and they became hits. The Bangles breakout hit Manic Monday was written by Prince, but nobody knew it until it was a hit because the songwriting credits said "Christopher".
