Tributes are being paid by family, friends and stars from the world of entertainment today for pop legend Michael Jackson, who died yesterday at the age of 50.
Jackson's sister, Janet, was "grief stricken and devastated at the sudden loss of her brother" and flying back to California to be with her family, according to a statement released through her manager.
Ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley said in a statement: "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."
Representatives for actress Elizabeth Taylor, a close friend of the Grammy-winning performer, said she was "too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time."
Stars from the world of music paid tribute to Jackson with Madonna saying "I can't stop crying over the sad news. I've always admired Michael Jackson - the world has lost one of its greats but his music will live on forever. My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."
Music producer Quincy Jones told MSNBC: "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news." He said Jackson "had it all - talent, grace, professionalism and dedication."
He added: "I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."
Singer Cher said on the BBC website: "I'm having a million different reactions I didn't expect I would feel. He was a great singer - God gives you certain gifts and this child was just an extraordinary child touched by this ability. He could sing like nobody else and he was able to connect with people."
Celine Dion said: "I am shocked. I am overwhelmed by this tragedy. Michael Jackson has been an idol for me all my life. He was not only a talented person but he was unique - a genius. It's such a loss. It feels like when Kennedy died, when Elvis died. My sympathy goes to the family. It's a big loss and it's not even sinking in right now."
In a tribute reported on the website MTV.com, singer Justin Timberlake said: "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 onstage 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."
Singer and Jackson friend Liza Minnelli told Entertainment Tonight: "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 I will miss him every remaining day of my life."
Film directors Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg also paid tribute.
Scorsese told MTV.com: "Michael Jackson was extraordinary. 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. He was wonderful to work with, an absolute professional at all times, and - it really goes without saying - a true artist. It will be a while before I can get used to the idea that he's no longer with us."
Spielberg told Entertainment Weekly: "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."
Demi Moore paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "I am greatly saddened for the loss of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Especially for their children!" Her husband, Ashton Kutcher, also posted: "RIP. Sending love and light to family and friend but especially his kids." He added: "Plea to the press to respect his wishes of maintaining the anonymity of his children. I plea to the public to refuse to consume media that does not respect the anonymity of Michael's children."
