Quotes about Jackson on day of memorial service
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Comments on Michael Jackson on the day of his memorial service:
“I’m here representing millions of fans around the world who grew up listening to Michael, being inspired and loving Michael from a distance. … Somehow when Michael Jackson sang and when he danced … we felt he was right there. … He made you believe in yourself.” — Queen Latifah.
Mario Anzuoni / AP
Queen Latifah speaks at Michael Jackson’s public memorial in Los Angeles.
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“When he did his iconic moonwalk, I was shocked. It was magic. Michael Jackson went into orbit and never came down. Though it ended way too soon, Michael’s life was beautiful.” — Motown Records founder Berry Gordy.
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“This is a moment that I wish that I didn’t live to see come. But as much as I can say that and mean it, I do know that God is good and I do know that as much as we may feel — and we do — that we need Michael here with us, God must have needed him far more.” — Stevie Wonder.
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“We snuck in and took pictures of ourselves next to her dress. We always seemed to revert to being little kids.” — Brooke Shields, recalling a moment she shared with Jackson at Elizabeth Taylor’s 1991 wedding.
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“Michael was a personal love of mine. A treasured part of my world … ” — Smokey Robinson, reading a note from longtime Jackson friend Diana Ross at Tuesday’s memorial service in Los Angeles.
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“We miss you, Michael.” — Mariah Carey, after singing “I’ll Be There” at Jackson’s memorial service.
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“There are certain people in our popular culture that just capture people’s imaginations. And in death, they become even larger. Now, I have to admit that it’s also fed by a 24/7 media that is insatiable.” — President Barack Obama, who was asked about the outpouring of emotion related to Michael Jackson’s death during an interview with CBS while he was in Moscow.
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“They’re holding up well in part because they’re a strong family … a big family, religiously devout family. Therefore, they have a sense of insulation of their faith.” — The Rev. Jesse Jackson, on how Michael Jackson’s family is coping.
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“He was a true gift and there are very few that have come to the magnitude of influence that he had on the world.” — Neil Portnow, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
