Stars react to Elizabeth Taylor's death

(CBS) Not long after Elizabeth Taylor died on Wednesday, at the age of 79, messages began pouring in from other stars paying tribute to the screen icon.

Here are the reactions from Elton John, Kim Kardashian and other stars, in public statements and on Twitter.

Pictures: Elizabeth Taylor 1932-2011
Pictures: Taylor's many marriages
Special section: Remembering Elizabeth Taylor

"We have just lost a Hollywood giant. More importantly, we have lost an incredible human being." - Elton John, in a statement.

"The world has lost a truly iconic beauty, inside and out.Elizabeth Taylor will be deeply missed." - Victoria Beckham, on Twitter.

"I am so saddened about the passing of Elizabeth Taylor! She will always be my idol!" - Kim Kardashian, on Twitter.

"The shock of Elizabeth was not only her beauty. It was her generosity. Her giant laugh. Her vitality, whether tackling a complex scene on film or where we would all have dinner until dawn. She is singular and indelible on film and in our hearts." - "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" director Mike Nichols, in a statement.

"I knew elizabeth Taylor and I can tell you she was kind, brave, generous and loyal. I am sad." - Jane Fonda, on Twitter.

"White Diamonds was the first fancy thing I owned in my life. Elizabeth Taylor is the first person so glamorous you wanted to smell like her." - Mindy Kaling ("The Office"), on Twitter.

"She was always,always there for me.I'll miss her for the rest of my life,but I was so lucky to have known her." - Liza Minnelli, to E! Online.

"She had a sense of humor that was so bawdy, even I was saying, 'really? That came out of your mouth?' She was just a magnificent woman. She was a great broad and a good friend." - Whoopi Goldberg, on "The View."

"God bless Elizabeth Taylor. One of the last true Hollywood legends.. What a lady, what a life.." - Mario Lopez, on Twitter.

"I met Elizabeth Taylor several times. She was witty and self-deprecating, which I found surprising and delightful. She loved to laugh." - Steve Martin, on Twitter.

"So sad to hear about Elizabeth Taylor..it's the end of an era for sure..." - Lea Michele, on Twitter.

"She was an illuminator. She put human faces on issues...the world is becoming as she envisioned it: freer" - Sharon Stone, to E! Online.

"RIP elizabeth taylor, a great actress and a great beauty, who's formidable contributions to both film and charity will always be remembered." - Zooey Deschanel, on Twitter.

"Elizabeth Taylor was a great friend, a great star and one gutsy woman. She was so special. You won't see the likes of her again..." - Larry King, on Twitter.

"Elizabeth...thank u for the lessons u taught me about life..suffering and Joy....you are the BRIGHTEST STAR in the universe..Eternal love" - Kirstie Alley, on Twitter.

"such a sad when a legend like Elizabeth Taylor pass away.fitting that it's gloomy&rainy in ny.A place of sadness" - Bethenny Frankel, on Twitter.

"So VERY shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Elizabeth Taylor. A true Hollywood legend and humanitarian and friend. RIP" - Marlee Matlin, on Twitter.

"Every year Elizabeth Taylor sent my dad a telegram (yes, telegram) for his birthday. It said: 'Remember, I'm younger than you!' (by 1 day)" - Rosanne Cash, on Twitter.