MJ's Mom Praises Vienna Tribute

(AP)  The King of Pop's mother said in a letter made public Monday that next month's global tribute for Michael Jackson in Vienna is "a wonderful idea" and an event that her son would have loved.

The Sept. 26 concert _ being planned by Jackson's brother Jermaine _ will take place in front of a 17th-century palace in the Austrian capital. The performers haven't been announced, but the event is expected to draw thousands of people.

"An event of this dimension not only keeps Michael's spirit alive, more than that: It gives millions of fans the opportunity to experience his music and celebrate the life of my son," Katherine Jackson wrote. "I am sure Michael would love it."

The hand-signed letter is dated Thursday and was made public by the Austrian event promoters, World Awards Media GmbH.

Michael Jackson died aged 50 on June 25. Event promoter Georg Kindel has said the tribute originally was planned for London's Wembley Stadium on Aug. 29, which would have been Jackson's 51st birthday, but that Jermaine Jackson decided instead on Vienna.

In the letter, Katherine Jackson said she immediately considered Jermaine's plan _ announced several weeks after he visited Vienna to receive an award in his brother's honor _ "a wonderful idea."

"I fully support Jermaine's endeavors to spread Michael's important message of making a better world for us all," she wrote.

Jermaine has said the Austrian capital was chosen as the venue because his brother "loved castles."

Jackson's mother also reached out to fans, saying she was "overwhelmed by the worldwide love and support that my beloved son Michael has received over the past month."

Last week, fans swamped the Web site offering tribute tickets.

[bohicatoo]

The truth will probably reveal that Jermaine wrote or encouraged the writing of the letter. Jermaine chose Vienna because and it had nothing to do with what Michael loved. It was where Jermaine saw a chance to make some money for himself.

[rollinsg]

pensacola8-2009: You know NOTHING about MJ- the most kind soul on the earth. The so called "drug" he used was prescription medicine, drugs prescribed by doctors to help him sleep or ease pain! MJ deserves all the love from the world because this is what he gave to the world.

[avigil2]

pensacola8-2009 must have lots of self-hatred for such a posting. MJ had a world-wide following, no matter what age you are, he brought joy to millions of people. And thankfully, his music will live on.

[pensacola8-2009]

The fool killed himself with drugs that he went way over the boundaries to acquire. He spent hundreds of millions on a dream dedicated to his refusal to grow up. He died 400 million dollars in debt.

No mature person would ever give a penny to honor such extreme stupidity.