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See what friends and colleagues had to say about the King of Pop

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1 of 17 Ron Galella/WireImage.com

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."
2 of 17 Jeff Kravitz/WireImage.com

Brooke Shields, who befriended Jackson in the early 1980s:

"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."
3 of 17 Barry King/WireImage.com

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Quincy Jones, who produced Jackson's blockbuster albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad: "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 '80s. 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."
4 of 17 Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com

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Justin Timberlake, former 'N Sync member who was inspired by Jackson: "I can't find the words right now to express how deeply saddened 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."
5 of 17 Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com

Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Jackson's friend:

"Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time," her publicist said.
6 of 17 AFP/Getty Images

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Lisa Marie Presley, who was married to Jackson from 1994 to 1996: "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."
7 of 17 Lester Cohen/WireImage.com

Smokey Robinson, fellow Motown legend:

"It is always hard to lose a friend. I will miss Michael and all that he brought to the world through his music and his creative genius. I know his legend will live on and the world will miss him dearly."
8 of 17 John Shearer/WireImage.com

Steven Spielberg:

"Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend."
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9 of 17 Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com

Beyonce Knowles:

"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!"
10 of 17 Jeffrey Ufberg/WireImage.com

Paula Abdul, singer/dancer and American Idol judge:

"Words cannot begin to express my heartfelt sorrow upon hearing the news of Michael Jackson's passing. I was blessed to be able to work with, and witness first hand, his tremendous talent and growth through the years as he truly became an icon. Today we have all lost a legend who has touched each of our lives through his music and showmanship over the past five decades. To his family, the entire Jackson clan, and to all his adoring legions of fans throughout the world, my prayers and deepest condolences to all."
11 of 17 Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com

Jamie Foxx

"[I saw] him in concert in 1983, the Victory concert with his brothers. To watch people faint in the audience — grown men fainting, women fainting — just because he was that dynamic.... All you can say is that you hope we put our arms around his family. So much turmoil toward the end of his career...and I think that's the only thing that you can really hope for is that there is finally peace."
12 of 17 Mike Marsland/WireImage.com

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Martin Scorsese, Oscar-winning director who helmed Jackson's "Bad" video: "Michael Jackson was extraordinary. When we worked together on "Bad," I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other. Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion. He was wonderful to work with, an absolute professional at all times, and — it really goes without saying — a true artist. It will be a while before I can get used to the idea that he's no longer with us."
13 of 17 Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com

Sheryl Crow, who was a backup singer on Jackson's Bad tour:

"His was a rare talent that we witness once in a lifetime. One who makes such an indelible mark that for generations singers and dancers attribute him as inspiration. I had the great privilege of watching him every night doing what he did best — entertain. I am grateful to have known him for the 2 years I worked for him and will mourn his loss with his many millions of fans across the world."
14 of 17 Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com

'N Sync's JC Chasez:

"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." 'N Sync's Lance Bass: "I am stunned and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Michael Jackson. Michael was a huge supporter of my career but more importantly he was a good friend, had the biggest heart and it was an honor and pleasure to be able to work with him and know him. There will never be another Michael Jackson, my thoughts and prayers are with his family."
15 of 17 Lester Cohen/WireImage.com

Ne-Yo:

"Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music. I will do my part to keep the melody alive, to keep the energy forever changing form, but never ever dying!! Long live Michael Jackson."
16 of 17 Ron Galella/WireImage.com

Stevie Wonder:

"He is emotionally distraught and chooses to be quiet right now," his publicist said.
17 of 17 Ferdaus Shamim/WireImage.com

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John Landis, the director of Jackson's epic "Thriller" video: "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."