Michael Jackson’s Sisters Thank Fans For Their Support Following Public Memorial

 
 
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  • Janet Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Rebbie Jackson speak to fans at the overflow area at the Nokia Theater following a public memorial to Michael Jackson, July 7, 2009
  • Janet, LaToya and Rebbie Jackson exit backstage following Michael Jackson’s public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles
  • Janet Jackson comforts Paris Jackson after the 11-year-old speaks at her father’s memorial, July 11, 2009 (pool photo: EPA)

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  • WireImage

    Janet Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Rebbie Jackson speak to fans at the overflow area at the Nokia Theater following a public memorial to Michael Jackson, July 7, 2009

  • Getty Images

    Janet, LaToya and Rebbie Jackson exit backstage following Michael Jackson’s public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles

  • EPA

    Janet Jackson comforts Paris Jackson after the 11-year-old speaks at her father’s memorial, July 11, 2009 (pool photo: EPA)

 
 

FIRST PUBLISHED: July 8, 2009 4:27 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED: July 8, 2009 4:42 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Several thousands fans who won tickets to watch the Michael Jackson memorial from the overflow area at the Nokia Theater, across the street from the Staples Center, received a special thank you from the late pop star’s sisters — Janet, La Toya and Rebbie Jackson — following the public service.

The three women took the stage and thanked the King of Pop’s fans for their support of the family.

“I just want to let you all know that you have been very, very supportive,” La Toya told the crowd who cheered loudly as the sisters gave their speeches. “Michael loved his fans more than anybody else in the world… He has always said that his family is first and his fans are second and I know that he would be so happy that you are here supporting him and he’s watching every last one of you and I just want to thank you all for being here for him. He loves you very, very much.”

Janet too took the microphone after La Toya spoke. While the crowd’s screams overpowered her at times, she did manage to get her message of thanks across.

“I just wanted to thank you for all of your love and all of your support,” she said. “Michael will forever live in all of our hearts forever.”

Dozens of stars including Usher, Lionel Richie, John Mayer and Mariah Carey, paid their respects at the public memorial for the star, who died on June 25 at the age of 50.

Copyright 2009 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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