Michael Jackson Finally Laid To Rest
More than two months after his passing, Michael Jackson was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif., yesterday. About 200 people attended the funeral service, including a Time reporter who noted that the proceedings had their own appropriate set design, namely a “‘Thriller’-esque moon tinted orange by the smoke from the nearby forest fires.” Thanks? The Jackson family’s post-funeral release, detailing the proceedings and the attendees (which included Elizabeth Taylor and Lisa Marie Presley, among others), after the jump.
Glendale, Calif.—Michael Jackson reached his final resting place tonight at 9:43 pm PST in The Great Mausoleum at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
The ceremony was held outdoors, adjacent to The Great Mausoleum. The stage was adorned with six large bouquets of white lilies and white roses, along with green topiaries. The service was attended by approximately 200 family and close friends.
The pallbearers were Michael’s five brothers: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy Jackson. At the beginning of the ceremony, Michael’s children placed a crown on their father’s coffin to signify the final resting place of the King of Pop.
The opening prayer was delivered by Pastor Lucius Smith, who also read from Ecclesiastes 3:7. Gladys Knight sang the gospel hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” accompanied by Greg Phillinganes. Songwriter Clifton Davis sang The Jackson 5 song “Never Can Say Goodbye,” which he wrote for the group.
Speakers came to the podium spontaneously to celebrate Michael’s life. Among those making remarks were his father, Joseph Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, close friends and family members.
Following the ceremony, the Jackson brothers carried Michael’s casket into The Great Mausoleum, followed by guests.
Other notable attendees included Miko Brando, Macaulay Culkin, Corey Feldman, Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Mila Kunis, Thomas Mesereau, Kenny Ortega, Suzanne de Passe, Lisa Marie Presley, Teddy Riley, Elizabeth Taylor and Chris Tucker.
The Jackson Family wishes to once again thank all of Michael’s fans around the world for their generous outpouring of support during this terribly difficult time. Their expressions of love for Michael and his music have sustained the Jackson Family.
