RIP

Prince's zest for purple flair will be showcased during an auction offering up incredible items from the legendary musician's life ... but you'll have to bid big to take any home.

The Prince Memorabilia auction begins online next week and features more than 200 princely items, including the purple piano he personally played ... which is expected to haul in more than $50,000.

Same goes for Prince's purple stage-worn boots, and a microphone from his Purple Rain Tour is expected to fetch at least $20k ... along with a pair of his purple pants.

Purple's not the only popular color, though ... Prince's red "Under the Cherry Moon" handwritten script notebook is also expected to get bids above $20k

The auction -- being held by RR Auction in Boston -- starts February 8 and ends February 15.

Cops have launched an investigation into the car crash that killed ex-NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife Leah LaBelle ... and they're retracing the couple's steps that night to find out exactly what went down.

We've learned investigators have visited several businesses near the crash site in Studio City, CA -- including a popular bowling alley where the couple was spotted earlier in the evening.

We know what you're thinking -- was alcohol involved? We're told cops are not specifically looking for proof Butler was boozing before the crash ... they'll know from the toxicology report.

The priority, we're told, is finding video of the couple in the car right before the crash -- in order to see what specifically caused the Range Rover to lose control and crash.

Meanwhile, we're told the autopsies on both Rasual and Leah have been completed -- and the medical examiner has said the cause is "multiple traumatic injuries" and listed the manner of death as an "accident."

Dennis Edwards -- lead singer of the legendary group, The Temptations -- died at the Mercy Hospital in Chicago Thursday night ... TMZ has learned.

Edwards sang Grammy-winning songs for the Motown icons like "Papa was a Rollin' Stone" and "Cloud Nine" ... along with hits like "Ball of Confusion" and "I Can't Get Next to You."

Although Dennis was on-again, off-again with the group in the late '70s and '80s as the lineup changed frequently.... he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 with The Temptations.

Edwards -- a native of Detroit -- took over lead singer duties from David Ruffin in 1968 and continued The Temptations run of smash hits.

His 75th birthday would have been on Saturday. We're told the cause of death has not yet been determined.

Dennis was 74.

Kenny Smith says he's still reeling from the "horrific situation" that claimed Rasual Butler's life ... and he's expecting the NBA to honor Rasual in a big way.

"Overall, the NBA community will step up. We'll do something on TNT," Kenny said.

Condolences poured in Wednesday from ex-teammates and legends like Shaq, Kobe and Allen Iverson ... and the Miami Heat were the first team to put together a video tribute.

The Jet says fans should expect a lot more of that -- because "everybody loved him."

Jim Carrey's long, drawn out legal war over his ex-girlfriend's death won't end in a courtroom, because the lawsuits filed by Jim and her family have been dismissed ... TMZ has learned.

As we reported ... Cathriona White's mother and estranged husband filed wrongful death suits against Carrey after she died of a drug overdose in 2015. They claimed Jim had given her STDs and her despair was part of the reason she killed herself. Carrey filed a countersuit, and accused White's family of trying to shake him down for money

Now, according to court docs filed last week in Los Angeles ... both suits have been dismissed. They've been dismissed with prejudice, meaning neither side can refile. That's commonly a sign of a financial settlement.

We've got calls in to reps and attorneys for both sides.

Mandy Moore looked mournful on the set of "This Is Us" ... just another clue of what promises to be an excruciating upcoming episode.

Mandy and some of her cast members were spotted Tuesday decked out all in black ... for what looks like the filming of a funeral. The show's special episode following the Super Bowl promises to answer questions surrounding Jack's death.

Logan Shroyer (who plays teenage Kevin) and Hannah Zeile (teenage Kate) are also decked out in black. Niles Fitch (teenage Randall) appears to be sitting passenger side.

Better have the Kleenex on standby.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood for Mr. Rogers' family -- not only do they think Tom Hanks is a perfect choice to play him in a flick ... they have mad love for TH!

Fred Rogers' youngest son John tells us the family couldn't be happier with Hanks' casting in the upcoming biopic about his late father, "You Are My Friend," for a whole bunch of reasons ... mostly because Fred was apparently a big Tom Hanks fan.

John says Fred really respected and enjoyed Hanks' work, especially "Forrest Gump." Check out the clip ... you won't believe how many times John says his pops watched it.

As far as any involvement in the project, John says he hasn't been approached to get involved or consult Hanks for the role just yet. But he is open to it ... your move, Tom.

Stephen A. Smith says he's devastated over the death of his friend Rasual Butler -- telling TMZ Sports they knew each other for years ... and the NBA player was a really good dude.

"Just incredibly sad," the ESPN star said ... "He's a good guy. We have Philly roots together. I've known him for many years. I love his wife. Love his family."

"The world lost a good brother."

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Butler lost control of his Range Rover in Studio City, CA early Wednesday morning and slammed into a wall -- killing him and his wife, who was a passenger in the car.

Ex-NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife -- a singer who appeared on "American Idol" -- were both killed in a single car crash in Studio City, CA early Wednesday morning, TMZ Sports has learned.

38-year-old Butler -- who was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2002 -- lost control of his Range Rover around 2 AM, struck a parking meter and slammed into a wall. The car flipped.

Officers believe the car was speeding before it lost control.

Butler had a long NBA career after an impressive run at La Salle -- where he was a 2-time First Team All-Atlantic 10 Player. He's a member of the La Salle Hall of Athletics.

He went on to play in the NBA until 2016 -- with stints on the Hornets, Clippers, Bulls, Raptors, Pacers, Wizards and Spurs.

Rasual most recently played in Ice Cube's BIG3 league.

Butler's wife Leah LaBelle, 31, was an R&B singer who was signed to Epic Records. She placed 12th on the 3rd Season of "American Idol" back in 2004.

Rasual is survived by a daughter from a previous relationship, Raven Butler.

R.I.P.

Rasual Butler's death is hitting the NBA hard -- with his friends and former teammates sending their condolences to Butler's family.

John Wall -- "I will always remember the time we shared together as teammates, you were the big brother. I appreciate the advice you shared, not just about basketball but life. Sending my deepest condolences to the families of Rasual and Leah. May you both rest in peace."

Blake Griffin -- "You were a great teammate and an even better person. Rest in peace my friend."

LaMarcus Aldridge -- "Devastated to hear the news about the passing of my former teammate, Rasual, & his wife. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families during this difficult time. Rasual was an amazing teammate and an even better person. He will truly be missed!"

Kyle Lowry -- "I remember I called you when you got drafted on draft night and I was at a camp and I wanted to show off because I knew you and you answered the phone for a 16 year old who was one of your biggest fans.. this is truly a sad day for me !! RIP Sual bop my oldhead!!"

Austin Rivers -- "It was a pleasure meeting you man. Getting to work with you last year was amazing. For you were not only a knowledgeable player....but more so a great man! Smh Crazy this just happened. May you and your wife RIP in heaven."

Kevin Love -- "Incredibly sad news to hear about Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Prayers to both of their families through this tough time."

Ray Allen -- "I cannot believe this!!!!!!!!!My heart is heavy!!! We lost a good one today! RIP Rasual you were such a great talent on the court but an even better man off it! My thoughts are with the entire Butler family as they mourn the tragic loss of their son/brother and his beautiful wife, Leah. Gone too soon. Rest in power."

Reggie Miller -- "Saddened by the news and the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. Talk about a great dude and family man. I know he had many stops during his 13 year NBA journey, but he was beloved becasue of his work ethic in Indiana. New guardian Angels."

Paul Pierce -- "So sad this morning to here about my friend and teammate 😢 RIP Rasual Butler appreciate the people around u because u never know."

Chauncey Billups -- "I’m shocked, saddened and in disbelief about the news on my friend Rasual Butler and his wife Leah. May God be with their families. We will miss you 'Sul.'"

Allen Iverson -- "Rest easy my brother. See you when I get there!!!"

Shaq -- "Still can’t believe the news about my main man SOOL BOP. #riprasualbutler🏀#THELILHOMIEFROMPHILLY."

Kobe Bryant -- "Rest In Peace my brother #RasualButler."

Miami Heat -- "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many friends of Rasual and Leah. They will be missed."

L.A. Clippers -- "The L.A. Clippers are deeply saddened by the loss of Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah LaBelle. Rasual will long be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the court, but for his vibrant personality, positive outlook and the compassion he had for everyone around him."

Disney star Adam Hicks' world was crumbling long before his arrest for armed robbery, due to his brother doing time, and his mother passing away ... TMZ has learned.

Adam's little brother, Tristan, was the driver in a 2014 car crash in Vegas that killed a 17-year-old girl. Police say she died after she was ejected from the car.

Tristan, who was 18 at the time, took off on foot. He was eventually arrested for fleeing the scene.

Sources tell us Adam had recently gone to Vegas to testify at his brother's parole hearing. Adam paid for Tristan's bail and most of his legal fees during the case.

Things went further south a year later when Adam's mother, Lucy, died unexpectedly from a heart attack. We're told Tristan's accident had weighed heavily on her.

Jane Lynch is clearly struggling with Mark Salling's apparent suicide ... for several complicated reasons.

Jane was out in L.A. just a few hours after TMZ broke the story her former "Glee" co-star was found dead. Police believe he hanged himself. Jane said the news was "sad and very tragic."

As for how she'll remember Salling? Watch the video, and you can tell Jane was reaching for the right words -- especially in light of the fact Salling had entered a guilty plea to child pornography charges.

Ultimately, she took the high road and shared a story about his early days on the "Glee" set.

11:05 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us Salling's body was found hanging from a tree.

10:45 AM PT -- We're told police received a call to do a "welfare check" on Salling and somehow that led them to the baseball field where his body was found. We're told Salling had been dead for some time.

Our sources say a family member came to the LAPD station at 3 AM Tuesday to report Salling as a missing person.

We're told homicide detectives are on scene to rule out foul play, but they say all signs point to suicide by hanging.

Mark Salling committed suicide by hanging, according to law enforcement ... TMZ has learned.

We're told his body was found near a riverbed in Sunland ... the area where he lived. Law enforcement tells us Salling was hanging from a tree.

We've learned the address where Salling was found dead near a little league field adjacent to a creek.

The former "Glee" star was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors.

Prosecutors say he had 50,000 images of underage children.

Sentencing in the case was set for March. He was expected to get 4 to 7 years in prison as part of a plea deal.

TMZ broke the story ... Salling had cut his wrists back in August and it appeared to be a suicide attempt, although his lawyer denied it.

Salling was 35.

Gene Simmons wants rockers to say no to drugs ... not just because it's killing the musicians, but mostly because of its impact on fans.

We got the KISS frontman Monday at LAX and asked him to elaborate on his upcoming memoir, "27," in which he details stories about famous rock stars who died at that age.

Gene, who says he's never boozed or done a drug, says his fellow rockers gotta remember there are kids out there following their every move ... and the drug use influences them.

The alleged grandson of Charles Manson has just lost his bid to get the killer's remains.

A judge just ruled Jason Freeman does not have a right -- at least not now -- to pick up the remains from the prison where Manson died.

Freeman is one of 3 people who have tried to take possession of the remains and Manson's estate.

It appears the reason the judge rejected the claim was because Freeman filed his case in Los Angeles and Manson died in Kern County ... in other words, the judge lacked jurisdiction.

Roddy Piper's kids were downright emotional when talking about how much Ronda Rousey means to their family ... and what a special moment it was to see her wearing the WWE legend's jacket.

TMZ Sports spoke with Colt Toombs and Ariel Teal Toombs about the plan to let Ronda wear Roddy's trademark fashion accessory at the Royal Rumble ... and the backstory might make you cry.

Of course, Roddy passed away in 2015 ... and both Colt and Ariel tell us Ronda personally vowed to them that she would do everything in her power to keep his legacy alive.

FYI, Ronda has always said Piper was her inspiration ... and she had personally asked him for permission to use his nickname back in the day. He obliged.

Now, Roddy's kids say she's doing a damn fine job keeping his spirit alive and they support her 100% moving forward.