I just can't believe it. I mean...seriously. I can't believe it. It doesn't seem real. Today, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop (and he really was His Majesty, the King of Pop), is dead. Passed away at the age of 50. He was so young. That's like my father passing away. I mean...wow.

My grandmother called my mom and all I heard from my mom's end was: "You're kidding!" Pause "When!?" Pause "Oh my God! I can't believe it...Oh my God..." Pause "Oh my God..." (*Looks at me*) "Turn on the TV! Michael Jackson is dead!"

And I just stared at her for what seemed like an eternity and all I could think was: Is she joking with me? Is this some kind of practical joke my Nanni and Mom is playing on me?

Yet, I moved and turned it to channel two and there it was, in bold, blocking lettering at the bottom of the screen:

MICHAEL JACKSON DEAD AT 50

I swear, I went into shock. I'm still in shock. I'm so in shock, I can't even cry. I mean, he was my first singer that I remember listening to as a kid. He was the first one that I truly remember and love. I can't remember anyone before that. I remember every time he came on the television to sing Will You Be There for the movie, Free Willy, I all about flipped out and screamed at my parents: "Don't change it! It's Michael Jackson!"

...I was four-years-old at the time.

He was truly an icon, a legend. Britney Spears tried imitating him, Madonna tried, Ne-Yo studided the way he sang, every pop star tried to be him. He was just...Michael. And he hit and touched the hearts of so many generations. My dad's generation loved him when he was simply part of Jackson 5, my mom's generation adored him when he was in the Thriller era and my generation loved him.

Michael Jackson
1958 - 2009
Singer, dancer and LEGEND

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"Just call my name and I'll be there..."