the floacist
Proud Member
There's going to be several, so we should all just post them here. I'll try and include all the sources. 
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20287803,00.htmlI can't stop crying over the sad news," Madonna says. "I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."
Lisa Marie Presley, who was briefly married to Jackson in the mid-1990s, says, "I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."
"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael," adds Brooke Shields, who raised eyebrows when she briefly dated Jackson. "He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing."
Elizabeth Taylor, one of Jackson's closest and longstanding friends, was "too devastated" to issue a statement, her rep says, while Quincy Jones, who produced Jackson's biggest hits, says, "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words."
Neil Portnow, president of the Recording Academy, which honored Jackson with 13 Grammys, says, "Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon."
Essence.com Exclusive! Marlon Jackson speaks to Roland S. Martin about the death of his brother, Michael Jackson
Essence.com blogger Roland S. Martin talks with Marlon Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson and a member of the Jackson 5, about the death of his younger brother, the King of Pop.
Marlon, how did you find out about Michael’s death?
“I Talked to Frank Dileo, Michael’s manager. Frank told me that Michael last night was complaining about not feeling well. He called to tell him he wasn’t feeling well.
“Michael’s doctor went over to see him, and Frank said, ‘Marlon, from last night to this morning, I don’t know what happened.’ When they got to him this morning, he wasn’t breathing. They rushed him to the hospital and couldn’t bring him around. That’s what happened. They don’t know what happened.”
When was the last time you saw Michael?
“It was May 14 at a family gathering. I had just gotten back from Africa. Michael looked great. He was looking well. He was getting ready to go into rehearsals for his tour. I don’t know what happened.”
There were some reports he wasn’t feeling well and was in a wheelchair.
“He wasn’t in a wheelchair. He was walking around with his kids. When we saw him he wasn’t in a wheelchair. We all talked. He was doing great.”
Was that the last time you spoke with him?
“May 14 was the last time I spoke with him. The last time I saw him.”
Have you talked to any of your other family members about his death?
“I’ve been trying to get a hold of my mom. I talked to Jackie. I talked to Tito. They feel the same way. A piece of our heart, a piece of us went with him. It was a shock to them, too. I talked to my brother, Jackie, and he said, ‘Marlon, is it true?’ I said, ‘I’m calling them right now to see if its true. That when I called Frank Dileo and I couldn’t get to my mom. I talked to him the first tiem and he was at the house and my mom was in the background crying, and was just upset.”
Was Michael still at the house?
“Michael had passed. Frank told me, ‘We lost him.’
And you said a doctor saw him last night, but he didn’t see a need to take him to the hospital?
“He didn’t take him to the hospital. This morning he wasn’t breathing and they rushed him to the hospital. He was going to be 51 in August. Gone too soon.”
Marlon, it’s amazing to look at the reaction from all over the world. People are at the hospital, at the Jackson family home in Gary, Indiana, at his star on the Wall of Fame.
“I never knew the effect the Jackson 5 had on people until I began traveling with (Major Broadcasting) network, and people would say our songs were the reason for them getting married. Me and my brothers did what we did because we loved it. That’s the way we thought. I’m happy that we did get a chance to just bring happiness to everybody, and Michael took it to another level to bring people happiness. He cared about people a lot.
“Michael was known all over the world, and that’s why people care, and it’s nice to see that people care. Not only did they grow up with my brother, but they grew up with the Jackson 5. They care, they care. He’s going to be missed. He’s definitely going to be missed. We are always going to remember him. We cannot forget him.”
I hear the comparisons to Elvis Presley and people looking to him a generation later. I know it’s very soon after the death of Michael, but should something like Graceland be established so the next generation is aware of Michael’s impact?
“He’s going to live on. He has left a legacy and it’s going to be forever, and I really feel that in my heart. I want people to concentrate on those things that he did for people. He did a lot of positive things. He’s going to live forever. I’m going to miss him. The memories, all the great things he has done, and my family is going to miss him. It’s hard. It’s really hard for us right now.”
For the world he was the King of Pop. But for you, he was your younger brother.
"And that’s the way we saw him, as a younger brother. It’s like when anyone else loses their family member. It hurts. It hurts right now. It really hurts.”
http://essence.typepad.com/news/2009/06/es...er-michael.html
Wyclef Jean: "Michael Jackson was my musical god. He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music, he can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God bless him."
Gloria Estefan: "The two great losses that we have felt today can only be balanced by the beautiful things that they left behind in our world. Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson will live forever in my heart as unforgettable and eternal."
Dick Clark, television and radio personality: "I knew Michael as a child and watched him grow over the years. Of all the thousands of entertainers I have worked with, Michael was THE most outstanding. Many have tried and will try to copy him, but his talent will never be matched. He was truly one-of-a-kind."
John Landis: "I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an
extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and
despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife Deborah and I will always have great affection for him."
Russell Simmons, pioneering hip-hop artist: "Michael Jackson was my generation's most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He'll be missed greatly."
Lisa Marie Presley, musician and Jackson's ex-wife: "I am completely shocked and saddened by Michael's death. My heart goes out to his children and his family."
Priscilla Presley: "I'm in shock, as I know everyone must be. What a tragic loss. My heartfelt thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time."
http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2009/06/presley_on_jackson_im_in_shock.php
Celine Dion:
"I am so devastated by this terrible news," Celine says. "From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. He was a genius and an incredible artist!!
"I remember when I was growing up and watching him on TV, and all his videos... I had his poster on my wall...he was so amazing...his singing, his writing, his dancing.
"We had the same record company, and they knew I was a huge fan, so when things started to happen for me, they arranged for us to meet. I was so nervous, and so excited at the same time, and Michael was so nice. He autographed one of his hats for me.... I was so thrilled.
"Years later, he came to see my Las Vegas show and we spent some time together....and we were really looking forward to seeing his show in London. It's unbelievable that he's no longer with us. It still hasn't sunk in.
"I guess we're just finding out what happened, but all I can say is that he must have been under an enormous amount of pressure... to do the shows, and to keep on top of everything, plus this was going to be his big comeback. This is a lot of pressure and it can be overwhelming for anyone. I'm sure it was just too much to handle.
"Right now, along millions and millions of others I am so sad....and I just want to send my prayers and love to Michael's family. I can't imagine how difficult this is for them....to lose someone so special. And it's the same for everyone in the world who loses a loved one. It just keeps reminding us of how precious life is, and that we never know when it's our time. God Bless his soul."
Liza Minnelli: "He was a kind, genuine, and wonderful man. He was also one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. I loved him very much and I will miss him every remaining day of my life."
Donny Osmond:
"I've known Michael since we both were about 13 years old. He once told me that because we went
through similar experiences as teenagers, I was the only person who ever understood him. Words can't
express the sadness I feel right now. My prayers go out to his family and his children," Donny says.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: We lost a great entertainer and a pop icon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson's family, friends and fans.
Diddy: Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to
life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!
Samantha Ronson: His music is just as relevant now as it was the day they pressed record, I'm sure it
will remain so for generations to come.R.I.P.Mr Jackson.
Dane Cook: I'm dedicating my show 2night to Michael Jackson. THRILLER got me laid. Well... At least thats what I told my friends.
Heidi Montag: the world has suffered a GREAT loss today Michael Jackson my thoughts and prayers are
with his family, friends, and fans God bless.
Ice T: Rest In Peace Mike. People can say what they want but you were 100% original. WE will always love, miss & remember your GREATNESS.
John Mayer: Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ. I think we'll
mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to Thriller on the record player.
Star Jones: Death comes to all. But great achievements build a monument." He IS and WAS the
greatest entertainer of all times...Peace to you brother.
Lindsay Lohan: NO OMG ... sending my love and prayers out to Michael and his family ... i feel sick..
Marlon Wayans: My prayers, my love, my heart goes out to michael jackson and the entire jackson
family. I pray so hard for them. I'm crushed! Please pray.
Pete Wentz: Prayers and thoughts with michael jackson ... I haven't hope in so long that news
isn't true.
Kim Kardashian: Wow I am truly in shock that Michael Jackson has passed away! I love u Jackson family, my prayers are with the whole family!
Ashley Tisdale: So sad. Saying a prayer for Michael Jackson.
Miley Cyrus: Michael Jackson was my inspiration. love and blessings
Ashton Kutcher: Rip Sending love and light to family and friend but especially his kids.
Shanna Moakler: The hard thing about getting older is watching all those who inspired you pass, love to
the jackson family..
Rachelle Lefevre: Rest in peace Farrah Fawcett &
Michael Jackson. Condolences to their families
Ludacris: If it were not for Micheal Jackson I would not be where or who I am today.His Music and Legacy will live on Forever. Prayers to the fam R.I.P.
MC Hammer: I have no words.. I loved Michael Jackson.. RIP..
Kelly Rowland: Michael you left such a legacy on this earth, have touched SO MANY!!! We thank you for such a driving inspiration in music & our lives!! This has got to be one of the saddest days in music
history!! Michael Rest In Peace! WE miss you!
Tito Jackson said he so regrets not having spoken with Michael Jackson "in a while."
Elton John's was in the middle of his annual "White Tie and Tiara Ball" when he was rocked by the news
of Michael Jackson's death. We're told Elton is singing right now at the event and he's dedicated his song "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" to Michael.Liz Hurley, Hugh Grant, Lily Allen, and Kelly Osbourne were at the party -- however several of the guests left once they heard about the news.
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