MICHAEL JACKSON - REST IN PEACE (1958-2009)

oh my gosh - i'm still in a state of utter shock over the very unexpected death of michael jackson earlier today (right on the heels of farrah fawcett sadly losing her long battle with cancer) he was rushed to the hospital after being found unconscious (most likely dead) at an estate in los angeles' holmby hills neighborhood where he was staying while gearing up for his highly anticipated comeback tour (more details will be coming out after an autopsy is performed) now i've said a number of things about his eccentric and oddball ways (he was definitely a strange character) but nobody can ever touch his incredible musical legacy - he will be forever the king of pop! i'll never forget when i was probably about 7 years old - the easter bunny brought me thriller on vinyl (which i still have today) i worshiped him when i was a little kid - who didn't? although i wasn't sure if he was up to performing fifty shows - part of me was really hoping that somehow he was going to kick total ass and revive his career - but now we'll never know what might have happened (i keep saying out loud to myself ... i can't believe i'm writing about the passing of michael jackson) this is such a huge loss - my thoughts go out to his family and three children - i'm totally getting flashbacks from the last iconic death - when princess diana passed away suddenly in 1997 - i am NOT comparing them to each other by any means yet both were pop icons in their own right and adored all over the world - below you'll find some quotes on michael's death (i'll keep adding in new ones) along with a video of man in the mirror which i like to consider mr. jackson's anthem - hands down one of his best songs ever! i was at work when i heard about his death - i managed to keep my composure but when i got in the car - that song came on the radio and i immediately burst into tears - MJ is already missed more than he could ever know - michael jackson may you rest in peace - we love you - and you will never be forgotten

"Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim. A 13-time Grammy recipient, Michael's career transcends musical and cultural genres and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories. We are deeply saddened by this tragic news and our hearts go out to his family and to music lovers around the globe who mourn this great loss."
Neil Portnow - President/CEO, The Recording Academy®

"Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend."
Steven Spielberg [source]

"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

"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."
Quincy Jones

"I can't find the words right now to express how deeply saddened 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."
Justin Timberlake

"Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time."
Elizabeth Taylor's Rep

"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

"I am heartbroken. My prayers go out to the Jackson family, and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world, and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. I feel blessed to have performed with him several times and to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever."
Mariah Carey

"I am so devastated by this terrible news. 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. ...It's unbelievable that he's no longer with us."
Celine Dione

"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 [source]

TAGS
† michael jackson, r.i.p.

MORE MICHAEL JACKSON + R.I.P. POSTS
† patrick swayze / 1952-2009 / rest in peace
† farrah fawcett - rest in peace (1947-2009)
† the passing of a legend - bea arthur - r.i.p.
† r.i.p. natasha richardson
† eartha kitt - rest in peace
† bettie page - rest in peace
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