LOS ANGELES — In addition to shocking his many adoring fans, Michael Jackson’s unexpected death Thursday prompted an abundance of reactions from stars throughout the entertainment industry.
Here are just a few of the statements that have poured in from celebrities across the world:
“I don’t think anyone knew how much we loved each other. The purest, most giving love I’ve ever known. Oh God! I’m going to miss him. I can’t yet imagine life with out him.” — Actress Elizabeth Taylor.
“Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson.” — Movie director Steven Spielberg.
“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.” — Singer Madonna.
“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.” — Lisa Marie Presley, Jackson’s former wife.
“I am truly saddened that my mentor, brother and friend will no longer be with us physically. At the same time I feel so blessed to have been touched by his music, his dance, his lyrics and his pure genius. It is because of Michael’s yesterday that I am who I am today! My condolences to his family and friends around the world. Michael Jackson rest in peace and may your music and legacy forever reign on Earth!” — Singer R. Kelly.
“I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.” — Singer Diana Ross.
“Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music. I will do my part to keep the melody alive, to keep the energy forever changing form, but never ever dying. Long live Michael Jackson.” — Singer Ne-Yo.
“This was the most exciting collaboration of my life with a man who has inspired me like no other. … This was the world’s greatest performer and the world will miss him.” — “High School Musical’s” Kenny Ortega, who was directing Jackson’s upcoming concerts in London.
“Michael Jackson’s accomplished so much that there’s not even words to explain what he’s done for urban and pop music. Every artist that I personally know has been influenced by him. The world has lost one of the greatest entertainers who shaped many generations and will continue to for years to come.” — Singer Akon.
“When we worked together on ‘Bad,’ I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other. Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion.” — Movie director Martin Scorsese.
“The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. … I love you Michael.” — R&B singer Beyonce Knowles.
“From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. … I had his poster on my wall.” — Singer Celine Dion.
“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.” — Musician John Mayer, shared on Twitter.
“We are out of our joy. He is out of his pain. … He was constantly challenged in the press and all he really wanted to be was the greatest entertainer and he was that.” — Politician and civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson
“He broke barriers, he changed radio formats. With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled.” — Singer Usher
Also see: Michael Jackson’s Greatest Music Videos.
