The death of Michael Jackson: Tributes flood in from around the globe

Published on Friday 26 June 2009 08:14

FRIENDS and colleagues of Michael Jackson paid warm tribute to him today as news of his death emergeed.

Music producer Quincy Jones said: "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."

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 Michaels children."

Foreign Secretary David Miliband wrote on Twitter: "Never has one soared so high and yet dived so low. RIP Michael."

Rev Al Sharpton, a leading US civil rights campaigner and friend of Jackson, told Sky News: "As a friend of Michael's for the past 35 years, I call on people from around the world to pray for him and his family."

Close friend Uri Geller told Sky News: "I'm absolutely devastated and shocked. He was a young man terribly fit and basically in good shape."

Musician Wyclef Jean paid tribute to Jackson on Twitter.

He wrote: "he lives forever in my heart i will never forget the day he came to see me in the studio and i played him music... R i p to Michael Jackson my music god ... Some lost Elvis Presley and we lost Michael Jackson... I cried today because Michael Jackson was a Father that we all lost!"

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."

Katie Price, aka Jordan, said on the Twitter website: "ooooh my god sooo shocked rest in peace mj you were the KING OF POP a total legend xxxxxxxxxxx."

Glastonbury Festival organiser Emily Eavis said on Twitter: "So sad to hear the news about MJ. There will be tributes all over the site all weekend. A truly great artist. Emily"

A tribute on the star's website from his record company described him as a genius.

The head of the Sony Corporation Sir Howard Stringer said: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."