People News

Stars Twitter and share their grief over Michael Jackson

By April MacIntyre Jun 26, 2009, 1:50 GMT

Sadness. Jermaine Jackson announces that his brother Michael Jackson died from a heart attack at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, USA, 25 June 2009. The former King of Pop, whose life of stardom and scandal kept him permanently in the headlines, was found unconscious at his rented Bel Air mansion and was rushed to the UCLA Medical Centre. EPA/PAUL BUCK

Los Angeles hospital, UCLA Medical Center, is swarmed with fans and press alike, as it has been reported by the local CBS affiliate that a private air ambulance allegedly has taken Michael Jackson's body away to an undisclosed location.

At 3:15 PM, Jackson was pronounced dead.  For 42 minutes paramedics worked on him at his Holmby Hills rented home.  Michael's mother and sister LaToya arrived at the hospital immediately upon the news.  His brother, Jermaine, issued a statement from the hospital requesting privacy for the family.  Jackson's father Joe Jackson was flown in from Las Vegas and whisked to the hospital just over an hour ago.

In Hollywood, fans are gathered at the wrong star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, as the nearby "Bruno" film premiere has covered up the pop star's spot. Radio personality Michael Jackson's star has served as a gathering point for tearful fans even though most are aware it is not the same Jackson.

Fans have amassed at the Jackson's Encino home on Havenhurst and a small group of fans were seen near the Calabasas home of Tito Jackson. 

In New York's Times Square, an audible gasp of disbelief went up in the crowd when a large LED screen flashed that Jackson had died, and people stood in shock, and frantically called and texted news to friends by cell phone.

People magazine culled some celebrity statements. "Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time," her rep says. "We will direct her words to you once we receive them."

Brooke Shields also is mourning the loss of her longtime friend.  "My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael," the actress said.  "He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing."

"I can't stop crying over the sad news," Madonna said. "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."

Lisa Marie Presley, briefly married to Jackson in the mid-1990s, says, "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."

Quincy Jones, who produced Jackson's biggest hits, says, "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."

From Twitter: 

Arnold Schwarzenegger - Schwarzenegger- We lost a great entertainer and a pop icon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson's family, friends and fans. about

Kelley Osbourne - MissKelleyO -  "what a sad night! i am in shock over how sad i am about mj!

Michael Ian Black- michaelianblack - Upset about Michael Jackson. The 13 yr. old in me still loved him. The 37 yr. old me wanted to see him complete his transformation.

Meghan McCain - McCainBlogette - RT @dliebson It's a strange world when you follow CNN breaking news on twitter, but you learn Michael Jackson died from @McCainBlogette

Carson Daly - carsonjdaly - How does conan handle this on Tonight show?  from UberTwitter

Sarah Silverman - SarahKSilverman- MJ was the best pop songwriter of all time,&was maybe even an innocent man whose only crime was loving children. Hm this wasn't funny at all

Ellen DeGeneres - TheEllenShow - So sad to hear about Michael Jackson. His music changed our lives. The world has lost an amazing singer and dancer. I will miss him.

**This clip is the first time I saw the Jackson Five on TV as a young kid.  The Smothers Brothers featured Bill Cosby as Scoop Jackson.