Getty ImagesOver the last few days, countless celebrities and music-industry luminaries have expressed their sorrow in reaction to the death of Michael Jackson. Fans took to the streets of Hollywood singing his songs and performing his famous dance moves. The words written about his talent as an artist are lavish in their praise.
Now, drawing on that support, the King of Pop's own family wants to thank their son's millions of loyal fans for their loving tributes.
"In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter," family patriarch Joseph Jackson wrote in a statement to People.
"Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon. It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times.
"We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words. But Michael would not want us to give up now. So we want to thank all of his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide, you—who Michael loved so much. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you. Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do.
"Carry on, so his legacy will live forever."
The family spent much of Saturday huddled in his Holmby Hills home, planning his memorial service and discussing the care of his three children.