Michael Jackson
Tributes have been paid to Michael Jackson who died on 25 June, 2009. Zoran Veselinovic / Wiki

Members of Michael Jackson's family have paid tribute to the pop icon on the 5<sup>th anniversary of his death.

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50. He passed away in his Los Angeles home, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His untimely death preceded his planned This Is It tour, which was scheduled to kick off in London just a month after he passed away.

Five years after his tragic death, his sister LaToya Jackson paid tribute to Michael describing her brother as "the most incredible father, brother, son and the most talented performer this world has ever known."

According to E! News, she said in a statement: "If Michael were here today he would tell us to all celebrate his life and not to mourn his death. Michael was all about love and peace and in honor of my brother I ask you to please do something kind for someone today, and, blast and dance to all the beautiful music he left us all."

"I will spend the day celebrating his life by listening to his music, looking through old home photos, watching his videos and concerts. Michael I love you forever and if you were today I know you would say, 'I love you more!'"

She also tweeted a message to the star's fans saying: "Thank you for remembering."

Michael's elder brother Jermaine Jackson turned to Twitter to express his pervading sense of loss since his sibling's death.

In a series of emotional tweets he wrote: "Hard to believe it's been five years ... The pain never eases. Michael's absence is still hard to take. But let's find comfort in happy memories & HIS music.

When you want to be close to me, listen to the music. The love is stored there and will not die.
- Michael Jackson

"However you are remembering Michael today, much love to you all on this difficult day.

"Play his music. Cry. Light candles. Lay flowers. Smile. Dance. Reminisce. Be still. Celebrate Michael's life #youarenotalone"

Many of the celebrities who worked with the star and were among his friends shared their personal memories of the star.

Supermodel Iman, who featured with Michael in the Remember the Time video tweeted a photo on Instagram of herself with Jackson and Eddie Murphy from the music video, writing: "Remember The Time' with @MichaelJackson @eddiemurphy can't believe it has been 5 yrs since his passing #RIP."

Performer Lady Gaga wrote: "R I P Michael. We love you. Today the world and media will grieve your absence, and think deeply of how we could have treated you better."

In a career that began when he was just five-years-old and spanned five decades, Michael Jackson set a new standard for performance and entertainment, and is regarded by his fans and his contemporaries past and present, as the greatest entertainer that ever lived.

He is credited with revolutionising the music video with the release of the Thriller short film and became famed for his gravity defying dance moves that left audiences spellbound and won him admirers including Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.

Breaking records as an artist, the singer was also famed for his philanthropy and his wider concerns for the condition of the planet, which were reflected in his songs.

Remembering the star, fans too, have been holding memorials and public gatherings around the world in memory of the global icon. 15,627 red roses were placed outside the Forest Lawn cemetery where he was laid to rest.

Others have been describing the impact of the star on their lives on his official Facebook page and on Twitter.

@magicmack_wrote on Twitter: "R.I.P Michael Jackson. You were and still are an inspiration on my life and career and I'm thankful for everything I've learned from you #MJ

‏In one of the many unknown stories of Jackson's private displays of generosity fan Saul Williams shared on Twitter that it was because of Jackson that he was able to go college.

"Michael Jackson paid my way thru college. I received MJ performing arts scholarship my 1st yr at Morehouse frm the 25 mil. he gave to UNCF" he said.

Michael Jackson
Twitter

In a statement on Michael Jackson's official webpage, the singer's long time friends and co-executors of the Michael Jackson Estate, John Branca & John McClain paid their tributes to the much-loved star.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael's loved ones today as we remember the kind, gentle and giving spirit who generously shared his amazing artistic gifts with the world along with a limitless empathy for those in need. Time has shown that with each passing year the world's appreciation deepens not just for Michael's talent but also for his lifelong passion to spread peace, unity, love and hope across every culture and society. Michael's friendship, kindness, humor and joyful warmth will always be missed. The world is a far better place for having known him."

His message and his memory were immortalised in his music and in the prophetic words of Michael Jackson himself, it's in the music that he lives on.

"When you want to be close to me, listen to the music. The love is stored there and will not die." - Michael Jackson