Michael Jackson, King of Pop, Dead at 50
International pop icon Michael Jackson dies after suffering cardiac arrest.
June 25, 2009 — -- Michael Jackson, the self-anointed "King of Pop" who revolutionized music but whose legacy was marred by allegations of child molestation and bizarre behavior, died after suffering cardiac arrest Thursday.
He was 50 years old and preparing for what he had said would be his final series of live performances.
Jackson's older brother, Jermaine Jackson, 54, told the media that emergency room doctors worked to resuscitate the pop star for one hour after he arrived at the hospital.
"They were unsuccessful," he said. Michael Jackson's personal physician was with the singer when he collapsed in his home and worked to try to revive him.
"May Allah be with you, Michael, always," Jermaine Jackson said.
The Los Angeles Fire Department was called to Jackson's residence at 12:26 p.m. P.T. Paramedics performed CPR on Jackson, who was not breathing when they arrived at his home. He was rushed to LA Medical Center, just six miles from his home.
Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of legendary rock and roll innovator and pop megastar Elvis Presley, was married to Jackson from 1994 to 1996.
"I am completely shocked and saddened by Michael's death. My heart goes out to his children and his family," said Presley in a statement.
Watch "The Life and Death of Michael Jackson" on a special edition of "20/20" TONIGHT at 9 p.m. ET.
Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who some would say was one of Jackson's closest friends, was "too devestated by the passing of her dear friend" to issue a statement, according to her publicist.
"For a long time he was unquestionably the most famous person on the planet," Jed Hilly, the executive director of the Americana Music Assocation, told ABCNews.com.
Brooke Shields, who briefly dated Jackson, also issued a statement on his passing.
"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," said Brooke Shields.
Italian legend, Sofia Loren who was friends with Jackson, told Italy's ANSA news agency, "There will never be another Michael Jackson…I am devastated. The world has lost an Icon, with his songs he gave the world a treasure."
"I hope he finds the peace he needs after so much suffering," she added.
Chris Connelly, an ABC News contributor, was one of the last people to interview Jackson, and said today that the pop star was "determined to convey that he had greater things ahead of him."
"The word he spoke with the greatest emphasis was the 'More!' that he exclaimed when I asked if he could still do all his famous moves and hit all those notes at the age of 50," said Connelly of his August 2008 phone interview with Jackson.
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