Celebrities Reflect On Michael

Lisa Marie Presley — AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews

"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." - Lisa Marie Presley

Elizabeth Taylor

Representatives for actress Elizabeth Taylor, another of the singer's longtime friends, said she was "too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time" but promised one later.

Madonna

"I can't stop crying over the sad news...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." - Madonna (as told to People magazine)

Justin Timberlake

"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 on stage 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." - Justin Timberlake (as posted on his Web site)

Britney Spears

"I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone!" - Britney Spears

Paul McCartney

"I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones." - Paul McCartney (as posted on his Web site)

Usher

"I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael. I have great admiration and respect for him and I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer...With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled." - Usher

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Budget Brokered — AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli

"From his performances with the Jackson 5, to the premiere of the 'moonwalk' and 'Thriller,' Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity...Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our shock and sadness over his death and our hearts go out the Jackson family, Michael's children and to his fans worldwide." - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Liza Minnelli

"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." - Liza Minnelli (as told to Entertainment Tonight)

Brooke Shields

"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. 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." - Brooke Shields

will.i.am

"I am so grateful to have worked with the King. He was a gift to the world, he is a bright light and I wouldn't be surprised if the world stopped spinning tomorrow." - will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas

Wyclef Jean

"Michael Jackson was my musical God. He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music. He can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God Bless him." - Wyclef Jean, rapper and former member of the Fugees

Dionne Warwick

"We have lost an icon in our industry and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and children in this hour of sorrow that they are now going through. He will live on in my memory and most definitely through the music he shared with so many." - Dionne Warwick, singer and Jackson's friend

Russell Simmons

"Michael Jackson was my generation's most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He'll be missed greatly." - Russell Simmons, hip-hop entrepreneur and founder of Def-Jam Records.

Dick Clark

"I knew Michael as a child and watched him grow over the years. Of all the thousands of entertainers I have worked with, Michael was THE most outstanding. Many have tried and will try to copy him, but his talent will never be matched." - Dick Clark, host of the old "American Bandstand"

Quincy Jones

"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...I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him." - Quincy Jones

Michael Levine

"I must confess I am not surprised by today's tragic news. Michael has been on an impossibly difficult and often self-destructive journey for years. His talent was unquestionable but so too was his discomfort with the norms of the world. A human simply cannot withstand this level of prolonged stress." - Michael Levine, a publicist who represented Jackson when the singer was accused of molesting a child in 1993.

Marc H. Morial

Michael Jackson's Death — AP Photo/Joel Ryan

"Our prayers go out to the Jackson family and Michael's children as they deal with the shock and sadness of this profound loss. We will all miss the 'King of Pop.'" - Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League

Neil Portnow

"He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim. A 13-time Grammy recipient, Michael's career transcends musical and cultural genres and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories." - Neil Portnow, President/CEO The Recording Academy

Gary Mayor Rudy Clay

"Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Ind., and our hearts are heavy, heavy here. Michael Jackson was the world's greatest entertainer but more than he was great humanitarian and a great, humble individual. The people of Gary, our hearts are full of tears because of the loss of Michael Jackson." - Rudy Clay, mayor of Gary, Ind.