The funeral of Michael Jackson was held at Staples Arena on Tuesday, July 7, 2009. The crowd was a mix of family, invited guests and a group of participants who were fortunate to have had their names picked from a worldwide lottery. Our lead photo is the cover of the Michael Jackson memorial booklet that was given to those attending the memorial service.
The Jackson family paid their last respects at a private family ceremony Monday night at Forest Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary in LA, where Jackson will be buried after his public memorial service.
A hearse transported the body of Michael Jackson to the Staples Center. The singers brothers serviced as pallbearers, helping to carry the coffin that was covered in a huge spray of red roses.
The service lasted two hours and ended with Jackson’s daughter Paris Katherine Jackson taking the microphone to share with the world what her father meant to her. She said, “He was the best father you could ever imagine.” She then broke down in tears and was consoled by her aunt Janet Jackson and her uncles, who led her away from the microphone.
View photos from both services below. View Queen Latifah reading Maya Angelou tribute poem here. The crowd was also taken with the performance by Jennifer Hudson who sang Will You Be There – see photos and video here.
Michael Jackson was finally laid to rest on Thursday September 3, 2009. See Michael Jackson burial photos and video here.
Photos: WENN