Michael Jackson's Dad Joe Attends BET Awards

Pop icon's father spends time addressing death of his son before all-star tribute at awards show

By Brandi Fowler Jun 29, 2009 2:40 AMTags

Taking time out from huddling with his family about preparations for Michael Jackson's funeral and the ongoing care of his children, father Joe Jackson turned up at Sunday's BET Awards and addressed his son's shocking death.

The Jackson patriarch, who walked the carpet with his attorney, told E! News that he wished Michael could've seen the tribute that BET had in store that night.

"This should've happened when he was living because he was that kind of a star," the elder Jackson said.

He asked that people remember that his son "was the greatest star in the world" and that the late musician deserved all of the recognition.

Asked about the events surrounding Michael's death, he told CNN, "I have a lot of concerns but I can't get into that…I don't like what happened."

After the show kicked off and Ne-Yo performed Michael Jackson's "Lady in My Life," the camera panned to Joe Jackson, who began shedding tears.

Check out highlights from the show in our 2009 BET Awards gallery.