Michael Jackson Update: Family Speaks Out On King Of Pop’s Birthday
Michael Jackson would have turned 57 years old on August 29. Although he isn’t with us anymore, his family is keeping his memory alive via social media.
Entertainment Weekly (EW) reports that Michael’s sister, LaToya Jackson, was one of the first family members to share her memories of her brother via Twitter. She posted a heartfelt tweet about the “Thriller” singer this morning.
You Will Always Be Loved!
Missed But Never Forgotten!
Happy Birthday Michael!— La Toya Jackson (@latoyajackson) August 29, 2015
At around 10:56 a.m., the proud sister took to Twitter again to share a picture of herself with her younger brother, stating that his music will live on forever.
Your Presence Elevated Everyone!
Your Music Brought Us Joy!
Your Gift Will Be With Us Always!#MichaelJackson pic.twitter.com/i22fb2s9QI— La Toya Jackson (@latoyajackson) August 29, 2015
Michael’s older brother Jermaine also posted on Twitter, reminding fans and supporters to hold onto the memories that the King of Pop left with the world.
Hold close the memories.
— Jermaine Jackson (@jermjackson5) August 29, 2015
Michael passed away in 2009 from an acute propofol and benzodiazepine drug combination. The singer was resting in his Los Angeles home when the incident occurred. The doctor attending to Michael on the day he died, Conrad Murray, was sentenced to prison for involuntary manslaughter after a jury determined that he was responsible for the lethal dosage he administered to Michael.
However, on Michael’s birthday, family members want fans and supporters to remember the positive things that Michael brought to the world. Along with donating millions to charities and sick children, Michael dedicated his life to bringing people together for a greater good through his music. Songs like “Heal the World” and “Earth Song” depict how strongly The King of Pop felt about caring for the Earth and its people.
In 1984, the “Scream” singer helped equip a 19-bed-unit at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital. In 1985, he collaborated with Lionel Ritchie on the worldwide famous song “We are the World,” which raised millions for needy people in Africa. In 1986, he funded the “Michael Jackson United Negro College Fund Endowed Scholarship Fund” with $1.5 million, and during his 1989 Bad tour, he donated ticket sales to destitute children. These charities are among only a few of the selfless acts that Michael created and participated in during his short time on Earth.
Arguably, no one has touched the hearts of so many people through music and humanitarian efforts as Michael Jackson. His three children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket, carry on his passion for helping the less fortunate. Each year, the Jackson children attend a charity function in Michael’s hometown of Gary, Indiana, where they help hand out school supplies to needy kids.
[Photos Courtesy of MJ Kim/Getty Images & Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images]
