Many, many folks are still dealing with the shock over the surprising death of Michael Jackson who first went into cardiac arrest yesterday afternoon and then was pronounced dead just about 2 hours afterward. Because MJ was prepping for an upcoming string of 50 concert dates in the UK (the first date was to be just under a month away) and was seen looking happy and healthy at rehearsals the night before, no one was any the wiser that his life would end so quickly, so suddenly. Here are a few photos of Michael Jackson‘s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame which, at first was covered over by a red carpet premiere on Hollywood Blvd. yesterday but, was unveiled for public viewing late last night so that mourners could be allowed to pay their tributes:
Of course the people who were nearest and dearest to Michael Jackson have also been paying homage to the fallen pop star. His sister Janet Jackson, the youngest member of the Jackson family, released an official statement thru her manager about the passing of her big brother Michael:
“Janet Jackson is grief stricken and devastated at the sudden loss of her brother. She is in pre-production for a movie and is flying immediately to California to be with her family.”
Quincy Jones, the famed producer who worked with Michael Jackson on some of his biggest hits, referred to MJ as his “little brother” lost in his statement on his death:
“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. Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the 80′s. To this day, the music we created together on “Off The Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad” is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”
MJ‘s best friend Elizabeth Taylor, who suffers from ailments of her own, released a statement on Twitter that she is “too devastated” to comment on her friend’s passing:
“Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time.”
Britney Spears, too, left her condolences for Michael Jackson in an official statement of her own:
“I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I’m devastated he’s gone!”
Justin Timberlake, who has cited Michael Jackson as an influence on his career, released his own statement on the death of MJ:
I can’t find the words right now to express how deeply sadden [sic] I am by Michael’s passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music, but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
Even Madonna, who can be called the Queen of Pop if you will, is said to be inconsolable over the death of her musical counterpart from the 80′s:
“I can’t stop crying over the sad news. 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.” – Madonna
Guy Oseary, Madonna‘s manager, reveals on his Twitter account that Maddy was planning to do a surprise performance with MJ during one of his O2 Arena concerts:
The moment that never happened: A month ago Madonna told me she wanted to do a surprise performance at one of michael Jackson’s uk shows..
I’m sure the tributes will be rolling in for some time now … I imagine many of you are still processing the loss of Michael Jackson. There is sure to be much discussion on Jackson‘s sudden passing — especially considering that his autopsy is scheduled to take place here in SoCal today. The results of his autopsy may take weeks to be released but I suspect we’ll hear the results sooner rather than later. I, for one, spent much of yesterday evening listening to my favorite old skool Michael Jackson songs and watched specials devoted to Michael Jackson last night. How are y’all coping?
[Photo credit: Bauer-Griffin; Source, Source, Source, Source, Source]
He will be dearly missed. Same goes for Farrah Fawcett.
I am really glad to see that he is being honored and remembered for the impact that he had on culture and music. He really was an icon. I was so upset yesterday when I logged on to my facebook account and saw just a slew of updates from people who were making jokes at his death. I mean, really?! At the end of the day, no matter how wacko Jacko was, it is still a death of an icon and it is very sad. Thoughts and prayers for his loved ones!
I still can’t believe it. I keep on reading all these beautiful tributes and just bursting into tears. It amazing how he had such a profound impact on so many lives. He will be missed.
I feel like I have lost part of my childhood forever. The news of his death is very unsettling to me. I grew up listening to my parents sing along to his songs and then in the early 90s I found myself singing along to his songs. I remember watching his Black or White video premiere on Primetime television.
I am sorry for all the fans all over the world who are mourning the loss of this pop icon. I am sad for his children and his family. Not matter how flawed the past 10 years of his life has been, no one can deny he left a significant impact on our lives and our culture.
Trent…I just want to say thank you for honoring Michael Jackson the way that you are. It is in good taste without the speculation that usually follows suit after something so tragic.
It was unexpected and therefore shocking. A great deal of people have died this week, not all of them celebrities, so while I’m sad at the passing of a tarnished icon, it has been a full week, month really, of tragedy and I won’t be throwing myself on his walk of fame star anytime soon.
My heart hurts I was watching CNN listening to his music last night. It’s still hasn’t set in yet.
I second Trish’s comment.
I am still in shock and can’t believe that he really is gone. It is a terrible loss. I still remember getting Thriller on tape and playing it in my busted up boom box all around my apartment complex when I was 9 years old. i always had to fast forward through the Vincent Price part during thriller because it scared me. Such a sad sad loss.
I had heard that star is not MJ’s star but the star of a radio personality of the same name.(note the radio microphone on the star) I understand that Michael Jacksons star was covered last night b/c of the premiere for Bruno and everyone has mistaken the other for Michaels. Is this true? Either way, I am glad that people are remembering him and honoring him for the icon that he was! He brought a tremendous amount of joy to my life through his music!!! Thanks for remembering him on your site Trent!!!
@MP — yes, folks were convening at the wrong star yesterday evening but these photos are of HIS star (note the record on the star) in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater after the premiere was over.
It is so hard to believe, its almost like the world stood still when his death was announced….I honetly thought the way he acted with his kids with masks and what not was beyond strange, well devient, but I am very happy that most are remembering him for his massive contribution to music and the entertainment industry. After watching much coverage of his life on TV lastnight, I think he was greatly misunderstood and mentally distorted from being in the public eye his entire life. His memory will live on for generations to come….RIP Michael Jackson!
Disbelief, shock and devastation are the only words that come to mind at this time. Michael Jackson was a king, a legend and he will be truly missed by myself and millions of his fans, friends and family around the world. Michael we love you and pray that you are resting in peace! <3
Just stunned…
It is such a true loss for the entertainment world. It’s amazing how influential he was to all of us….whether you tried to do the moonwalk, wore one glove, or emulated his famous “hee! hee!”, he was a part of your world. He will be truly missed. Today, I will be drinking a Pepsi, in his honor. RIP Michael.
I finally got around to learning the Thriller routine. It’s been on my (secret) to-do list for a billion years, and it seemed like an appropriate time.
I too was shocked by some of the horrible comments on facebook by some of my friends. You may not agree with some of the things he has said, done, or become in the last several years…. but his music is beyond amazing. He has friends & family out there probably reading some of the same horrible things…. people need to think how it will affect other people before they talk (type), this is hard enough for them….
It is such a terrible loss for the entertainment world. It’s amazing how influential he was to everyone…whether you tried to do the moonwalk, wore one glove, or emulated his famous “hee! hee!”, he was a part of your world. He will be truly missed. Today, in his honor, I will be drinking a Pepsi. Rest in peace, Michael.
I can’t even begin to form words. I feel this loss so deeply, so personally, that I don’t think I’ll ever truly heal. To me, Michael Jackson was so much: a musician, an artist, a performer, a friend. Anyone who really loved Michael Jackson will tell you that this is like the loss of a loved one. I feel more strongly toward him than many people in my life. His music got me through the toughest times in my life and has inspired me to do more than settle for normalcy. I will never believe the rumors that constantly followed him, for I think it was people’s beliefs in those rumors that led to his demise. He was a great man who did so much for so many and only got negativity in return. Please remember the good things, as I do. I remember where I was when I requested Dirty Diana on the radio for the first time, I remember where I was when the Black or White video was released, I remember the epic release of Scream, I remember where I was when he was acquitted of his crimes, and I will never forget where I was when I heard of his passing. I already miss him so much and it hasn’t even been a whole day. My thoughts and love go out to his entire family, mainly his children, and his many true fans around the world who feel this loss as I do.
Britney Spears, too, left her condolences for Michael Jackson on her official Twitter profile:
I am deeply saddened by today’s news about Ed McMahon. He is responsible for giving so many artists their first shot including myself. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. -Britney
I think she got the name wrong.
ahhh so sad. you will be missed MJ.
btw, trent… the quote you have up there from britney’s twitter is about ed mcmahon.. =X
@Emmz @nikkababe — ack! so sorry, I amended with her actual statement, sorry :(
This is actually much more devastating that I ever imagined it would be. It’s funny how people can feel so much for someone they never met and barely knew anything about, but how can we not when he was such a trailblazer in so many areas? All he wanted to do was entertain and bring people together through his music and it is truly amazing how his goal has been met a million times over. He will certainly live on forever in this way.