Remembering “the greatest entertainer that ever lived”
Michael Jackson’s brothers walk his coffin into the Staples Center in L.A.
Boss Lady and Kiki watched the touching and often gut-wrenching memorial service for Michael Jackson yesterday.
We moved our laptops for the day to sit before our office’s TV, and stayed glued to our seats as Michael’s fans, friends and family celebrated his life in music, speeches and many tears.
The beautiful service included moving speeches by longtime friends Brooke Shields, Al Sharpton, Magic Johnson, and the shortest, sweetest and most heart-breaking words from Paris, Michael Jackson’s daughter.
As she broke down in tears she said “I just wanted to say, ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say, I love him so much.”
Any derogatory portrayals that the media made of Michael as a father seemed to be put to rest with these words.
See below for more highlights in pictures, and videos of performances:
Michael’s older brother, Jermaine Jackson, performed an emotional rendition of “Smile” by Charlie Chaplin – Michael’s favorite song.
Stevie Wonder played piano as he sang “Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer”.
Michael’s sisters, Janet, La-Toya and Rebbie
Michael’s children, Paris Katherine, Prince Michael Jackson and Prince Michael Jackson II (with his MJ doll!)
Chris Brown
Usher embraces Michael’s mother Katherine after performing “Gone Too Soon”
Motown founder Berry Gordy called Michael Jackson “the greatest entertainer that ever lived”
What was the most memorable moment for you during the service?
I truly loved the memorial service. It really showed justice where it was due. I believe that in death the parasites who used Michael and distorted his reputation will give him vindication, which is sad because of the ridicule he had to endure…but good, so that his children will live with dignity and to be spared the humiliation that their father was the brunt of. Peace.
You already know how I feel about this
I didn’t think I could cry any more tears after yesterday, yet today as the morning shows replayed Paris’s innocent, heartfelt words I teared up again.
The impact of Michael’s passing still hasn’t registered within me yet and I’m eagerly anticipating his unreleased music. At least when I hear it I’ll feel he’s still with us for some time to come.
~Boss Lady
I think Marlon may have summed it up best when he said, “Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone.” We have to do better by our celebrities. Especially the ones who contribute so masterfully to our culture and mean so much to us. There should have been more of an outpouring of this type of love while the man was alive, and we need to start right now by putting the hate on our favorite and best talents to a COMPLETE HALT. The ceremony was absolutely incredible and fit the man that it was given to celebrate. His little girl definitely stole the show at the end and moved us all to tears. That little girl got a piece of my heart yesterday and she along with the rest of his children and his entire extended family will be in my prayers.
Michael Jackson was truly the best and he will always be and he will always stay in my heart. I love him so much. If you only know how often I cry for him.