LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18, 2009
King of Pop to be Buried on His Birthday
Michael Jackson will be Laid to Rest on Aug. 29 - What Would Have Been His 51st Birthday
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In this image released by the Jackson family, a casket holding Michael Jackson's body sits in front of the stage during a memorial for the pop star at the Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles. (AP)
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Photo Essay Jackson Fans in Portrait Images of fans showing their love for the "King of Pop"
Jackson will be buried at a private ceremony at Forest Lawn-Glendale on Aug. 29, spokesman Ken Sunshine said in a statement. Guests will be limited to family and close friends, Sunshine said.
"The Jackson family once again wishes to express its gratitude to Michael's fans around the world for their support during these difficult times," the statement said.
Details about the ceremony and the whereabouts of Jackson's body have been tightly guarded. The announcement came a day after the New York Daily News reported comments by Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, that his son would be buried on what would have been his birthday.
Sunshine said Jackson will be buried on the Holly Terrace at the cemetery's Great Mausoleum. The cemetery's Web site describes the mausoleum as featuring replicas of works by Michelangelo. It also features a stained glass recreation of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper."
The cemetery is located in the city of Glendale, which is about 8 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. It is a different location from the Hollywood Hills cemetery where Jackson's family was seen gathering days after his death on June 25.
Forest Lawn spokesman Bill Martin said the cemetery does not comment on private funeral services or on steps that might be taken to handle fans who try to show up for the burial.
"We've handled high-profile services in the past," Martin said.
He said the cemetery is on private property, and measures will be taken to discourage "loitering" on the day of Jackson's service.
Click here for complete coverage of Michael Jackson's life and death.
Meanwhile, filmmaker Spike Lee will commemorate Jackson's birthday with a block party-style celebration - in New York City's Borough of Kings.
The posthumous bash for the King of Pop will be on Aug. 29 in Brooklyn.
DJ Spinna will be spinning all things Michael Jackson.
Lee, a Brooklyn native, and Jackson collaborated on the music video for "They Don't Care About Us."
Lee told the online site, The Root, he's been a fan of Jackson's since the singer performed with The Jackson 5.
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will proclaim Aug. 29 "Michael Jackson Day" at the celebration.
© MMIX The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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- In life Michael brought us happiness, joy and laughter in different ways: we tapped our feet to the beat and danced to his music, we marveled at his dance steps, we sang to his tunes, we smiled at his playfulness, we are touched by humanitarian work. In his death, the least we can do is to say that Michael was the most got-wronged right person in the world.
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- by Questionews August 18, 2009 6:39 PM EDT
If I'm put in a freezer for a month, I hardily invite the folks attending my funeral to make all the jokes they want. In fact, I want a roast, not a funeral! I want a keg of beer, a full bar and maybe even a comedian! If I'm looking down on my funeral (or up, you never know) I don't want to see a bunch of the people I care for to be crying & balling, I want to see laughter, jokes, smiles and for people to walk away from my funeral feeling good & as happy as they can.
I want a Wake. Can I hire you to be the comedian? : ) - Reply to this comment
- This is all a publicity stunt to pay off his debts. MJ knew people would buy up all those CDs & DVDs - he is actually living in Argentina under an assumed name, Anna Nicole Jackson!
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- Thanks to all the nice people who left great nice comments. I am sure if any family members would read this, they would appreciate it.
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- I am amazed at all of the hateful comments today. Even if you are not a MJ fan and hate his family....there was still a death that they are left to deal with. He was the most complicater person/entertainer the world has ever seen and should be respected. The fact that so many idiots are making these comments is further proof that he matterd. I hope when you pass....other fools will not be saying similar jokes like the ones on here today.
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- WOW not one good comment about Michael here. I for one was a fan of Michael's song & dance. He never put on a boring show or video. Despite the missguidings of his personal life, he was a great entertainer. Not many entertainer's today are able to connect the entire world like Michael did. With very few exceptions, there are very few great entertainers left. The new broods dont have what it takes to keep coming back again & again & again. Upon Michael's death the world did indeed lose a great entertainer...rest in peace Michael
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- I would have expected a better PR stunt from the Jacksons than this birthday burial thing.
Let's see what's next. - Reply to this comment
- "Mr. Coca Cola is dead?"
I don't care where you're from, that there is funny.
I can see Jackson in a costume that looks like a cola bottle doing the moon walk and saying in that psycho little girl voice "I am the king of pop".
Guess Michael has lost his fizz by now especially since they took his cap (head) off and left it off for so long.
Seriously folks don't be so mean it's not like he could have prevented his death or anything since it was from natural causes.
Well drugs are made from natural substances aren't they? - Reply to this comment
- ~moonwalks~
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- Geez, I'll bet he's completly decompossed by now. What a family...trying to capitalize in every way possible off his back! I'm surprised they're not selling tickets to see where he will be layed to rest, since it's a private and secured area...maybe they will.
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- Who the frick cares anymore? The guy is dead, has been dead, will remain dead, and ain't comin' back. All these "deathebrations" do nothing but put money in the pockets of his executors and Daddy-Joe. Move on and find someone else to deify! His mom should have cremated her "king of pop" and been done with it. Now they want to put what's left in some fancy mausoleum for the fans to throng to. What a bunch of maroons!
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- This is almost as bad as James Brown. Will somebody please, please, please bury this man?
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- King of Pop to be Buried on His Birthday
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Mr. Coca-Cola is dead? - Reply to this comment
- Michael Jackson is dead!?
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- oh the Irony...
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- oh the Irony...
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- Geez, what a bunch of nasty comments!
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- i bet he really looks like the Thriller right about now, with the skin peeling off and stuff.
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- ***?
I thought they already did this. - Reply to this comment
- Man that corpse must really stink and I wonder if he got his head back?
Jackson's family is full of people that act like sickos. - Reply to this comment
