For millions of people around the world, time must have frozen when they heard that the “King of Pop” had died due to an apparent cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009. Michael Jackson left a lasting legacy of music along with sorry scandals. He was age 50.

Jackson’s death brings a close to a planned comeback tour that he hoped would wash away his financial debts. Before his death, he had announced a 50-date concert tour dubbed “This Is It”. Although he lived like a king, he also spent more than he earned and reportedly has $500 million in debt. Jackson’s overall worth totals to more than a billion dollars, especially with his stake in his catalogue alone, along with his 25 percent stake in a catalogue of songs, including the Beatles catalog which he bought during the 80s.

The world mourns for a musical genius who transformed the music industry during the 80s. He has sold more than 750 million records worldwide and his album “Thriller” is the best-selling album of all time with sales of more than 100 million copies sold. “Thriller” still does well in the United States, with over 130,000 copies sold each year, a testament to Jackson’s musical genius and longevity.

National leaders and stars alike poured out statements of sympathy and condolences. US President Barack Obama said that the singer was a “spectacular performer, a musical icon” while French President Nicolas Sarkozy admired Jackson’s ability to stir “emotion from different kinds of people all over the world” and said he would always remember the singer’s “Moonwalk” dance.

Fellow pop icon Madonna said, “I can’t stop crying over the sad news. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever.” His first wife, Lisa Marie Presley, said, “I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family.”

Even the Vatican released a statement, saying “no accusation, however serious or shameful, is enough to tarnish his myth among his millions of fans throughout the entire world.”

One question now remains: Who will take care of Jackson’s three children and what will happen to his estate? Although awash in debt, Jackson is worth more than he owed. Debbie Rowe, the mother of two of Jackson’s children, is a candidate for custody but the children may also wind up staying with their paternal grandmother, Katherine Jackson.

Michael Jackson is bigger than life and though he lived a chaotic life, there is no question about the lasting impact in the music world. The world has lost a true icon.

closeAuthor: Maggie
Name: Maggie Kasier

About: I am a freelance writer and book blogger who loves to read, write, and share my opinion on everything. I am also a tabloid junkie who knows more about celebrity gossip than any person has a right to know :)See Authors Posts (130)