
Friends and Family Say Goodbye to the King of Pop
A police escort ushered the Jackson family motorcade of 31 cars, including Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs, to the solemn event. The planned start of the service came and went as the crowd of about 200 awaited the arrival of Jackson's parents Joe and Katherine and the singer's children. The motorcade from their Encino compound departed more than a half-hour after the funeral was to begin.
At the funeral service, a large, inflated production light, the type used in film and television production, and a boom camera hung over the seating area placed in front of the grand marble mausoleum. The equipment raised the possibility the footage would be used for the Jackson documentary "This Is It."
Michael Jackson Snapshots
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Singer Jermaine Jackson arrives for a memorial dinner for Michael Jackson at Villa Sorriso on September 3, 2009 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jermaine Jackson
Getty Images
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Producer Suzanne De Passe arrives for a memorial dinner for Michael Jackson at Villa Sorriso on September 3, 2009 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Suzanne De Passe
Getty Images
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Rev. Al Sharpton arrives for a memorial dinner for Michael Jackson at Villa Sorriso on September 3, 2009 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Al Sharpton
Getty Images
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Actor Cory Feldman arrives for a memorial dinner for Michael Jackson at Villa Sorriso on September 3, 2009 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Cory Feldman
Getty Images
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Composer Quincey Jones arrives for a memorial dinner for Michael Jackson at Villa Sorriso on September 3, 2009 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Quincey Jones
Getty Images
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: The exterior of Villa Sorriso restaurant where a memorial dinner for Michael Jackson was held on September 3, 2009 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Singer Jermaine Jackson arrives for a memorial dinner for Michael Jackson at Villa Sorriso on September 3, 2009 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jermaine Jackson
Getty Images
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: The exterior of Villa Sorriso restaurant where a memorial dinner for Michael Jackson was held on September 3, 2009 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: The exterior of Villa Sorriso restaurant where a memorial dinner for Michael Jackson was held on September 3, 2009 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: The exterior of Villa Sorriso restaurant where a memorial dinner for Michael Jackson was held on September 3, 2009 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
A family spokesman later revealed some details about the memorial itself.
The service began when Jackson's three children -- Prince, Paris and Blanket -- placed a crown on their dad's coffin. Gladys Knight performed 'His Eye Is on the Sparrow' and directed guests to sing the Lord's prayer together. Speakers included the Rev. Al Sharpton and Jackson's father, Joseph.
The pallbearers were Jackson's five brothers -- Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy -- who wore sequin gloves on their left hands as they carried the coffin to his crypt.
The outdoor ceremony lasted about an hour.
CNN Featured a Look at the Invite to the Event:

Among the other celebrities to attend the service:
- Barry Bonds
- Macaulay Culkin
- Mila Kunis
- Chris Tucker
- Gladys Knight
- Kenny Ortega (choreographer)
- Corey Feldman
- Lisa Marie Presley
The Reverend Al Sharpton took to Twitter from his cell phone before the ceremony started. He texted of mingling with Jackson lawyer Tom Mesereau, who represented Jackson in his child molestation case. A peek at Sharpton's words from inside the ceremony, taken from http://twitter.com/TheRevAl.
Other Hollywood legends are also buried in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn, including Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and W.C. Fields are buried.
Jackson's funeral doesn't end the legal drama over his death at age 50, which authorities have labeled a homicide. No criminal charges have been filed over his June 25 death, which came on the cusp of London concerts meant to restore Jackson to his once-incandescent stardom.
Last week, coroner's officials said they believed Jackson's death was homicide, and his death certificate has been amended to reflect that. It cites "injection by another" as the fatal injury.
Investigators have said a mix of the powerful anesthetic propofol and another sedative killed the pop singer. The new record lists "acute propofol intoxication" as the main cause of death and "benzodiazepine effect" as another significant contributor.
The certificate does not mention Dr. Conrad Murray, who was Jackson's personal physician. He told detectives that he gave the singer a series of sedatives and propofol to try to help him sleep.
The coroner's determination of homicide makes it easier for prosecutors to seek criminal charges, but does not necessarily mean a crime was committed.
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Comments
(513)Add a comment
Thursday 03 September
By Rudolf
Can someone explain the "purchase of 12 plots" in Forest Lawn cemetery? Who did that and why? Was any city, state or federal government involved?
Reply
Thursday 03 September
By millyoob
I'd have to say the 5 jackson kids, the 2 parents and the 3 grand kids...there's 10 maybe they got a discount for the other 2 or there's 2 spouses unaccounted for. Either way, does it really matter? And why does it matter if any government agencies are involved?
Thursday 03 September
By Hattie
I bet the 12 plots of for Jackson family members.I hope one isn't for Joe tho.My hubby has relatives buried at F L,Glendale and FL Hollywood.Forest Lawn Glendale has more private graves/mausoleums that are closed to the public.
Thursday 03 September
By brokenangel143
Information:
The Jackson's needed these extra burial plots for Katherine, Joe, Brothers, Sisters and Michael's 3 Children. This was the only way any of the Jackson's could afford funeral plots.
The only plots that should have been paid for by the Estate, were his immediate family. His own three Children, giving them the opportunity to be buried with their Father.
As we well know, the Jackson's were in financial difficulties before Michael's death but since his passing, The Jackson Compound Family ( excluding his children ) have been making a bundle off Michael.
What's really sad is they keep on exposing his Children to on going emotional upset, by putting on so many funerals on for the coverage that will most likely be sold to the highest bidder.
Thank Goodness, Prince, Paris knows that Debbie is their Mother and they will know someone with them.
They should have made this a very special burial site for Michael... including sites for his children. Who is going to want to visit any other of the Jackson family members? Not the public, they are disgusted that Michael had to lay in a cold basement for 2 1/2 months, so their shows could go on. Remember, Money.. They have to get it while the iron is hot, and people don't see them for what they have been trying to do, to promote their own careers.
These brothers and sisters ( other than Janet ) haven't had careers in years.
The four plots probably should have been cover by Michael's Estate but as far as the other 8 plots, these should have been the responsible of who ever uses them.
Here's the best one of all: We the taxpayers ended up paying for the memorial at Staples with all special escorts by LAPD. Even closing down freeways to make it possible for the family to entertain 800 guests at the Beverly Hill Hotel.
Why wasn't this covered by Michael's Estate? I guess it wasn't coming out of the pockets of the Jackson's, so it really didn't matter.
It sure would be nice if the city would try and recover the costs. If Katherine can plead for the cost of this highly expensive funeral only for special people friends and family ( Not Michael Fan's.. They were important in the Jackson's eyes), then they show be help responsible for taxpayer's cost.
For all who will attend: Ask yourself, do I deserve to be here tonight? Would Michael be proud of what I've done since his death???
Michael would probably be rolling over in his grave from the actions of his family. The problem is: He doesn't have a grave to roll over in yet.. Just maybe tonight his body will be buried.
Michael's soul has been gone for awhile now.
He's not There's... He's Gone... Gone from sight...
Gone Too Soon.. But other's were waiting to meet him. They are all looking down to see who really cared about him..
God Bless You Michael..
Too bad you won't be here for the show, it's probably a re-run anyway..
These are my Opinion Only.. I celerbrated his passing a few months ago. In my eyes, his Spirit is gone and it has been for awhile.
Friday 04 September
By Lonny
So no one else could be buried near him.
Friday 04 September
By usamud
The 12 plots are most likely so that this will be for family burials. The Hendrix family has done the same thing in Seattle where Jimi Hendrix is buried with his family. And the estate paid for it, as it is making money while I type.
Friday 04 September
By sharon
i dont know about this case.. but for us.. when my 19 yr old son was killed.. we purchased several plots.. first being.. he was my baby and we wanted to not have strangers near him.. then it was more that with the times.. if u want to have your family together u have to do it early to ensure u are all laid to rest together..now my paretns and a sibling want to be here along with my hubby and 2 other sons and wives and since the area is full.. i am glad we did..what i dont get is the family being an hr and a half late.. almost like a GRAND entrance..JMO
Friday 04 September
By mrsvisch78@aol.com
This is called a family plot. In years past people were always burried with their family. Usually in their family's Church's cemetary. This is a real east coast thing where we acknoledge the death of our loved ones. It's the continuam of life. My Dad had a family plot going back 150 years.
Friday 04 September
By Dawn
It's easy to explain why they purchased the 12 plots at one of the most expensive cemetaries in the united states? They have control over Michael (the Pedophiles)Jackson's estate, and I'm sure the rest of those no talent hacks are going to milk it for eveythings it worth! P.S. I still want to know why they're so sure the doctor KILLED MJ? It wasn't like the he just told MJ you have no choice I'm going on tour with you and I'm going to inject you with lots of drugs and there's nothing you can do about it? He hired the doctor to travel with him and do these things to him!! And if he or any of his Extra close family thought that this guy was doing something wrong, than why didnt they just fire him?? he had enough security to escort this terrible threat to Michael anywhere they wanted!
Thursday 03 September
By JOHNNY
Thursday 03 September
By maria
IS THIS ENGLISH ? OR WHAT LANGUAGE IS THIS ?
Reply
Thursday 03 September
By sherryann
Leave the man alone. Let his soul rest in piece. He is dead. He was truly indeed the King of Pop.
Reply
Thursday 03 September
By Kathie
No one knows all the crap Michael had to endure. How many of you could survive under all that pressure. He was eccentric, but most Genious people are. Also, people. please learn how to spell and write your gramme correctly. No wonder we are as a nation as bad off as this lately.
Watch the politicions and bankers, they are ruining this country and are so above it all, they don't care.
Friday 04 September
By luis
who r u to judge. did u live with? u have no clue what u r talking about people like u make me sick. u judge other's but never look in the mirror. regardless of what he was accused of doing there was no prove and he was still a human being.u have no idea of what he was going through so y dont u shut your mouth and think before u talk or write anything
Reply
Thursday 03 September
By loav
Well, they waited more than three days and when he didn't come back I guess they gave up.
Reply
Friday 04 September
By rkeith306
LMAO - love the analogy!
Thursday 03 September
By Kathy
Even in death he is paying for the rest of the Jacksons , paid for there plots also , Just like he has paid for everything in the family He also owned the home is Parents lived in , and probably all the rest of the Jackson's home , Now there going to live off everything he makes after death , No ownder he got hooked up on drugs , set up by 2 people for molesting there kids ? I don't by it. So a nice kid from Indiana made it big and every last person used him including his family , RIP Michael , there done using you pack of low life family members
Reply
Friday 04 September
By Rachel
its a exactley what happened to Elvis Presley, I noticed Lisa marie Presley was there and she of all people should know what its like to live off a dead persons fame, without Elvis, lisa and her children and Pricilla (not presley-they were divorced)all would have to get jobs and support themselves but instead they live off of Elvis' estate by charging outrageous prices to view a home that is literally falling a part because they want you to see what it looked like when he lived there but come on that was 1977, your gonna have to do something, it looks awful, the only beauty there is where he is laid to rest, the meditation garden, with the waterfall nearby, very peaceful, but all the presley's live off Elvis, who like MJ died young due to drugs prescribed by greedy doctors, they should have done something major back then in 1977 but oh no, the doctor gets his license taken away for 10 yrs and the story goes on and now MJ dies and they really don't know what to do about these doctors. its pathetic and the jacksons and presleys both families live off these dead entertainers who died far too young.
US Army Veteran
Friday 04 September
By Kathy Bartholomew
In response to Rachel's comments about Elvis and Priscilla and Lisa Marie living off of Elvis' fame...You are completely wrong. Lisa Marie was just a child when her father died from drug abuse. There was a trust fund set up by Elvis, to protect his daughter. Priscilla was executor of the Elvis Presley estate, and with the lawyers, opened Graceland so his fans could visit where he lived his life.
The house may be in disrepair, but this is because of the way Elvis lived. To this day, the estate still rakes in money from his death. People not associated with Elvis Presley make money off his music, his likeness, anything related to Elvis Presley whether it is official memorabilia or not.
And finally YES doctors were involved in the death of Elvis Presley. But Elvis paid those doctors to give him the pills, so who is really to blame? Money, Greed, all associated with Elvis Presley. No one did any intervention to stop his drug abuse. Once a drug is taken and it makes you feel good, or it helps you sleep, you continue to take it because it is addictive.
The same thing has already happenened since Michael Jackson's death. Michael took this propotol drug because he became addicted to it. The doctors are at fault, but in the end, Michael Jackson died the same way Elvis Presley died.
And the family will rake in the money. Look at how many albums/CDs, etc have sold since his death. Record stores could not keep any of his music in stock. Remember the record companies also get their percentage of any Michael Jackson music that sells.
The kids have been set up with a trust fund. And it is Katherine Jackson that will take care of the kids...Not Debbie Rowe, she got paid to stay away from her kids by Michael Jackson...
Now let the man rest in peace....Finally.
Friday 04 September
By rkeith306
there = a specific place "there on the shelf" - their = a possession " he paid for their plots" - they're = a conjunction of two words 'they + are' "now they're are going to live off everything...">>>> buy = to purchase - first by you got right but the second is "I don't buy it"
My lesson for the day! (my biggest pet peeve is... "your welcome" ::eyeroll::
Friday 04 September
By rkeith306
minus an 'are' hahaha that'll teach me to correct someone else LMAO