Friends, family and a world on fans came to say goodbye to Michael Jackson in a memorial at The Staples Center on Tuesday.
A host of celebrity friends, including Queen Latifah, Brooke Shields, Mariah Carey, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Motown Records Founder Berry Gordy, Lakers Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, Lionel Richie, John Mayer, brother Jermaine Jackson and daughter Paris Jackson, remembered the singer with moving words and songs.
Here’s a look back at some moments from the event. Michael Jackson 1958-2009.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee: “We are the world and we are better because Michael Joseph Jackson lived. On behalf of myself and the people who are here, Michael Jackson, I salute you.”
President Barack Obama, asked about the outpouring of emotion related to Jackson’s death during an interview in Moscow: “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.”
Brooke Shields, recalling a moment she shared with Jackson at Elizabeth Taylor’s 1991 wedding: “We snuck in and took pictures of ourselves next to her dress. We always seemed to revert to being little kids.”
Jennifer Hudson’s Tribute to Michael:
Paris Jackson’s Speaks About Her Father:
