Tributes to Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was due to make his triumphant return to the stage in London next month — but instead his sudden death has left millions of fans feeling they’ve lost a lifelong friend.

Here are some quotes from those that knew and loved The King of Pop:

“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, who was married to Jackson from 1994 to 1996

“I can’t stop crying. This is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting.”
– Diana Ross

“I will miss him until the day I go. He changed history. He changed musical history and he changed performing.”
“Imagine, you grow up in public. From the time he could walk, they put him on stage. He had no childhood, none.”
– Liza Minelli

“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.”
– Quincy Jones, who produced Jackson’s biggest hits

“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

“It’s so sad and shocking. 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

“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

“He was absolutely fine. I can’t believe this, it’s such a shock. I’ll always remember him as being a very sweet, kind and loving man.”
– Former British child star Mark Lester, who is godfather to Jackson’s children

“It’s horrible news, so unexpected. The world has lost an icon and music has lost treasures. He wrote songs that generations of yesterday, today and tomorrow will all keep on singing. What he wrote was amazing.”
– Sophia Loren

“It was the most amazing experience I’ve had in the studio. He was funny. Very funny and we laughed the whole time. I also saw what a beautiful father he was. He was a beautiful human being. If not for him, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing. He gave me joy as a child and showed me the way to go.”
– Lenny Kravitz

“We lost a hero of the world.”
– Former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung

“I don’t think anyone can be indifferent to Michael Jackson, my husband included. I will enormously miss his voice, his songs and his presence in our world.”
– French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy

“Michael Jackson enriched our lives, made us happy. The accusations, the persecution caused him so much financial and mental anguish. He was vindicated in court, but the battle took his life. There is probably a lesson here for all of us.”
– Former Philippine first lady, Imelda Marcos

“May God cover you Michael. We all lift your name up in prayer. I pray for the entire Jackson family particularly Michael’s mother, children and all his fans that loved him so much. 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, who in so many ways, transcended the culture. He broke barriers, he changed radio formats! With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled. Michael Jackson will never be forgotten.”
– Usher

“He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the King of Pop!”
– Beyoncé Knowles

“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

“I am full of grief.”
– Whitney Houston

“I am having a million reactions. When I think of him, I think of this young boy, this teenager I first met — he was a great teenager, optimistic and adorable.”
– Cher

“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, who raised eyebrows when she briefly dated Jackson. “”

“I am stunned. My friend, Michael Jackson is dead. He lived with me for a week on the Golden Pond set after ‘Thriller.’ “
– Oscar winner Jane Fonda, on Twitter

“I come to you today with great sadness, acknowledging the loss of the greatest entertainer in the history of mankind. For me he was more than that, he was my idol, he was a role model, he was someone to cry to when my childhood was unbearable, he was a brother, he was a dear friend. Unfortunately Michael and I had a falling out on September 10th 2001 and that broken friendship had never been repaired,” he adds. “I am filled with tremendous sadness and remorse. All I choose to remember from this point is the good times we shared and what an inspiration he was to me and the rest of the world. Nobody will ever be able to do what Michael Jackson has done in this industry, and he was so close to doing it all again. I am truly, and deeply sorry for all of the heartbroken fans and supporters worldwide.”
– Corey Feldman