Reference

My heart, my mind, are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can't imagine life without him. We had so much in common and we had such loving fun together. I was packing up my clothes to go to London for his opening when I heard the news. I still can't believe it. I don't want to believe it. It can't be so. He will live in my heart forever, but it's not enough. My life feels so empty. 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 without him. But I guess with God's help, I'll learn. I keep looking at the photo he gave me of himself, which says, 'To my true love Elizabeth, I love you forever.' And I will love HIM forever."
- Elizabeth Taylor

"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 will miss him every remaining day of my life."
- Liza Minelli

Michael Jackson, like James Brown and Prince, are nearly uncoverable. The tunes were about his innate talent and can't really be replicated.
- John Mayer

"He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone!"
- Britney Spears

Michael Jackson was not only loved by the people of the world... he was loved by the magnificent wild animals for which he provided the most beautiful home at his Neverland Ranch. We were thrilled to have Michael's beloved tigers, Thriller and Sabu, join our pride here at Shambala when Michael needed a good home for them. Thriller and Sabu will always remind us of Michael."
- Tippi Hedren

"I am very sad. No one will be able to replace him. But I know that the light that he emanated from the stage will live on with all of us who saw him for what he was and always will be -- a great teacher, pure musical inspiration."
- Ricky Martin

"Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life! He made me believe in magic."
- Sean "Diddy" Combs, rapper, record producer and entrepreneur.

"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

"Peace to the King. ... He was one of my childhood idols. I salute you King of Pop. You made the whole world moonwalk together."
- LL Cool J 


Michael Jackson was my generation's most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He'll be missed greatly."
- Russell Simmons, hip-hop entrepreneur and founder of Def-Jam Records

"The world has lost one of the most influential and iconic figures in the music industry. From his performances with the Jackson 5 to the premiere of the 'moonwalk' and 'Thriller,' Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity. Though there were serious questions about his personal life, Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned generations and the globe. Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our shock and sadness over his death and our hearts go out to the Jackson family, Michael's children and to his fans worldwide."
- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

"Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music. ... Long live Michael Jackson."
- Ne-Yo

Michael's example of musical artistry was rooted in the proud tradition of black American music. His career trajectory -- from the working-class streets of industrial Gary, Ind., during the post-World War II boom, to the heights of the entertainment industry -- is a classic example of black American achievement, and of the American Dream."
- Benjamin Todd Jealous, NAACP president.

"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 and CEO of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences

"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 80s. 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."
- Quincy Jones, music producer

"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."
- Dick Clark, host of the old "American Bandstand."

"Stevie is not available for any comment for the time being. He is emotionally distraught and chose to be quite right now."
- Shelley Selover, Stevie Wonder's publicist

"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." 
- Wyclef Jean, rapper and former member of the Fugees

"Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, and our hearts are heavy, heavy here. Michael Jackson was the world's greatest entertainer but more than that he was great humanitarian and a great, humble individual. The people of Gary, our hearts are full of tears because of the loss of Michael Jackson."
- Gary, Ind., Mayor Rudy Clay.

"Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time. We will direct her words to you once we receive them."
- Danielle Marie Owens, Guttman Associates

"We have lost an icon in our industry and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and children in this hour of sorrow that they are now going through. He will live on in my memory and most definitely through the music he shared with so many."
- Dionne Warwick

"I must confess I am not surprised by today's tragic news. Michael has been on an impossibly difficult and often self-destructive journey for years. His talent was unquestionable but so too was his discomfort with the norms of the world. A human simply cannot withstand this level of prolonged stress."
- Michael Levine, a publicist who represented Jackson when the singer was accused of molesting a child in 1993

"What a horrible, horrible tragedy. Our hearts go out to Katherine, Joe, Jermaine, Randy, Janet, LaToya, Tito, Grace and the kids. It's truly a sad day in Hollywood. Michael will never be forgotten. His music will always live on and his spirit will never leave the world of entertainment. RIP Michael."
- Mark Geragos, Jackson's one-time defense attorney

"You cannot say enough about what he has given to us musically and culturally. We take for granted people like him. ... All he wanted to do was give us great music and that's what he did. Every single day was dedicated to us."
- Jamie Foxx

"Michael Jackson's personal crescendo of amazing power as an entertainer was clear and unmistakable, and has never slowed to this very day. His passing will be grieved far beyond that of any other singer, composer, producer, dancer and choreographer in the history of the world. Indeed, in my very firmest personal belief, there will never, ever be another Michael Jackson."
- Don Cornelius, creator/host of Soul Train

"We love Michael's music and enjoyed his live performances. He was a
stellar entertainer who made the world sing. Michael succeeded in capturing the attention of his ever-growing legion of fans, the music industry and a
multitude of others in an engaging, unique manner. We extend our condolences to his family and friends. His legacy will live forever."
- Rep. Diane Watson, D-Los Angeles 

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