On the day that Michael Jackson died, the tributes from his close friends came pouring in with expressions of grief, sorrow and remembrance. Yesterday, on behalf of the entire Jackson family, patriarch Joseph Jackson released an official statement to the public expressing their feelings on the passing of Michael Jackson. Here is the full text of the Jackson family statement:
“In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter. Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon. It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times. We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words. But Michael would not want us to give up now. So we want to thank all of his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide, you – who Michael loved so much. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you. Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever. My grandchildren are deeply moved by all the love and support you have shown for them and their father, Michael Jackson.”
Joseph Jackson & Family
Very sweet, very touching sentiments indeed. There is no doubt that Michael was the centerpiece of the Jackson family and I imagine they are all suffering greatly from his loss. Whatever may have happened in the family’s past, I know that love and forgiveness overshadowed the negative in that family. It remains to be seen what the family will authorize by way of giving the public access to MJ‘s remains (ie. if he will be made available for a public service) but my guess is that they will do everything they reasonably can to allow the public to be a part of his funeral. From the age of 5, Michael Jackson belonged to the world … I imagine that he will belong to the world until he is finally laid to his final resting place.
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I hope that his children are okay. RIP Mike.
With each passing day it’s starting to sink in that he’s gone. Truly a talented man. I just hate how he was portrayed as a monster in the media. It wasn’t necessary.
Joe Jackson’s statement from the family was written beautifully. So moving.
WHAT A TERRIBLE LOSS THE FAMILY MUST FEEL, AS THE WORLD ALSO MOURNS….I ALSO LOVED MICHEAL AND HIS MUSIC…FOR IT IS THE END OF AN ERA….SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE. AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER!!!!!!!! AMEN….REST IN PEACE MICHEAL
It pains me to see Joe Jackson taking the reins of all this. Michael had a famously contemptuous relationship with his father, by most accounts he was tyrannical and abusive for all of Michael’s childhood and adolescence. Michael might have had a chance to live a normal life if his father and mother had provided any kind of proper parenting. I lay Michael and his psychological problems squarely at the feet of Joe Jackson.
So, to see him gathering the troops and taking charge of Michael’s legacy really chaps my hide. I pray that they find someone like the person who turned Elvis’ estate around to keep Michael’s talent and gifts alive and provide a financial legacy his children can be proud of.