Celebrity friends, fans and entertainment entities are reacting to the news of Michael Jackson’s sudden death.

Here’s what some of them are saying:

-Quincy Jones who produced Jackson’s legendary album Thriller: “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.Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the 80’s. To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication.He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever.I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”

-Thriller director John Landis: “I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife Deborah and I will always have great affection for him.”

-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.”

-Ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley: “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.”

-Singer Dionne Warwick: “The news of the passing of Michael Jackson comes as a heartbreaking shock for me. Michael was a friend and undoubtedly one of the worlds greatest entertainers that I fortunately had the pleasure of working with. 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.”

-Wyclef Jean: “Michael Jackson was my Music God. He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music, you can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God Bless him.”

-Former girlfriend Brooke Sheilds: “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.”

“I’ve known Michael since we both were about 13 years old. He once told me that because we went through similar experiences as teenagers, I was the only person who ever understood him. Words can’t express the sadness I feel right now. My prayers go out to his family and his children.” — Donny Osmond

“I can’t find the words right now to express how deeply sadden [sic] I am by Michael’s passing. 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

“This is such a tragic loss and a terrible day. The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the king of pop!” — Beyonce Knowles



-Timbaland: “Nobody had a voice like Michael’s,” the producer tells USA TODAY. He was introduced to Jackson’s music by his parents’ Jackson 5 records. “As I got older, it was Beat It and Billie Jean, then I got into the producer world and, wow, really got inside the music more. You can’t duplicate what Michael Jackson did. He was something very special.” Timbaland, who was influenced by Jackson’s “work ethic and the rhythms and cadences of his records, the way he attacks a song,” initially rebuffed an invitation to work with Jackson, but later was receptive, though the two never collaborated. He long wished for a “human” conversation with his idol. “He’ll be remembered for his music, his voice, his dancing and just being him,” Timbaland says. “He’s not an everyday thing. You can’t mold somebody to be Michael Jackson. A musical genius has been taken away.”

-Rev. Al Sharpton: “A friend of Michael’s for the last 35 years, I call on people around the world to pray for him and his family in the hour.I have known Michael since we were both teens, worked with him, marched for him, hosted him at our House of Justice headquarters in New York, and we joined together to eulogize our mutual idol, James Brown. I have known him at his high moments and his low moments and I know he would want us to pray for his family.”

-Former worldwide chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Tommy Mottola, who worked closely with Jackson at the height of his career: “It’s the death of an American icon,” the mogul tells USA TODAY. “There are three people that stand out in my mind — Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. That’s the triumvirate that sums up American popular culture, iconic people became worldwide figures with worldwide popularity in the music industry … He was “the single most talented person I’ve ever known. There was every aspect of creativity, as a performer — from the early days with the Jackson Five and being biggest phenomenon in the world — and as a songwriter, (he wrote) some of the most outstanding and memorable songs you ever will hear. His videos were groundbreaking — he defined the video age. He was the person who married video and music more than any individual ever did or ever will …He was a rare and beautiful and gifted and extraordinarily talented person. … I think the pressure of this quote on quote comeback was overwhelming to Michael, because it was being billed and staged as a comeback, and that’s incredible pressure. It’s overwhelming.”

-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.”

-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!"

-Ne-Yo: “When I first met him, I was shaking like a leaf. … Growing up, Michael Jackson could no wrong. Everything the man did was magic. … There will never be another Michael Jackson. … It’s a really sad day for us.”

-The Recording Academy: “Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. 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. We are deeply saddened by this tragic news and our hearts go out to his family and to music lovers around the globe who mourn this great loss.”

On Twitter

-Demi Moore: “I am greatly saddened for the loss of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Especially for their children!”

-MC Hammer: “I have no words.. I loved Michael Jackson.. RIP.”

-John Mayer: “I truly hope he is memorialized as the ‘83 moonwalking, MTV owning, mesmerizing, unstoppable, invincible Michael Jackson.”

-Miley Cyrus: “michael jackson was my inspiration. love and blessings”

-Pete Wentz: “I have never felt this before in my life. I could measure my childhood 2 now on an mj growth chart. if this is true. Rip. The last legend”

-Solange Knowles: “Thank you Michael Jackson for being my FIRST of many! My mother took me to my FIRST concert, I was only two years old. I fell in love.”

-Josh Groban: “Definitely a “Where were you when…” day. Lost a great artist who had great demons … may he finally rest in peace.

Lindsay Lohan: “R.I.P. Michael Jackson. My love and prayers go out to the Jackson family. ‘You are not alone’ -MJ.”

Joel Madden: “This is a sad day.”

Samantha Ronson: “His music is just as relevant now as it was the day they pressed record, I’m sure it will remain so for generations to come. R.I.P. Mr. Jackson.”


Kim Kardashian: Wow I am truly in shock that Michael Jackson has passed away! I love u Jackson family, my prayers are with the whole family!

Ashton Kutcher: Rip Sending love and light to family and friend but especially his kids.

Kelly Rowland: Michael you left such a legacy on this earth, have touched SO MANY!!! We thank you for such a driving inspiration in music & our lives!! This has got to be one of the saddest days in music history!! Michael Rest In Peace! WE miss you!

Shanna Moakler: The hard thing about getting older is watching all those who inspired you pass, love to the jackson family.

Perez Hilton: It's days like this that put it all into perspective. If you're reading this right now, you are blessed to be alive. Hug your family.

Shaquille O’Neal: aaaaaaaaaaaaaagh dam dam dam

Ludacris: If it were not for Micheal Jackson I would not be where or who I am today.His Music and Legacy will live on Forever.Prayers to the famR.I.P.

Star Jones: Death comes to all. But great achievements build a monument." He IS and WAS the greatest entertainer of all times...Peace to you brother.

Michelle Williams, formerly of Destiny's Child: I am absolutely stunned as every1 around the world is....

Heidi Montag: The world has suffered a GREAT loss today Michael Jackson my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans God bless God rest his soul he will live on forever! life is so short enjoy every second God gives you!

Questlove, The Roots: Im am devastated over this but we all have memories. i just hope that he will get due justice in all the press memorials and whatnot. i know he was mired in controversy the last decade of his life but i think its time we let him rest in peace and learn to separate the ART and the ARTIST. --that is the MJ i will forever remember.

Denise Richards: this is just so sad !! I can't believe it! Shocking ..

Ice T: Rest In Peace Mike. People can say what they want but you were 100% original. WE will always love , miss & remember your GREATNESS.

Kirstie Alley: Don't know what to say...so I will say I am so sorry for his family either way... What a horrible way to find these things out...sorry

Jordin Sparks: Omg I'm bawling right now. Michael....

JC Chasez, in a statement to Us: "Words can't begin to describe my sadness for the loss of Michael Jackson. I was honored and humbled to have the opportunity to perform with him several times and he had a profound influence on my career. Michael forever changed the world of music and entertainment and I will always remember him for his kind and sweet spirit."

Danny Masterson: Im very sad that the possibility of a jackson 5 reunion is unwinding b4 my eyes...... Tip ur 40s. See you next time around little michael.Chat Icon

Cary Hart: Man, terrible day. Farra, and jackson in one day. Terrible.

Nicky Hilton: Praying for the Jackson family

Mark Hoppus: first album i ever bought was thriller. with birthday money. on cassette. for my brand new sony walkman. truth. rest in peace.

Travis Barker: I'm speechless, ***?

Diablo Cody: We just cued up "Wanna Be Starting Something" in the office. What a great song. RIP.

Katy Perry: Oh my God.