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The world said farewell to the King of Pop today. Fans poured into Los Angeles from places all around the world, hoping to collectively mourn their idol in a massive ceremony.

The ceremony started with Smokey Robinson reading personal messages from several of Jackson’s celebrity friends who could not attend including Diana Ross, who sent the following message:

“Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my life, part of the fabric of my life, in a way that I can’t seem to find words to express.”

Take a look at our gallery below:

Mariah Carey performed “I’ll Be There” with Trey Lorenz:

Kobe and Magic Johnson spoke about Michael:

Jennifer Hudson performed “Will You Be There”:

Usher later sang “Gone Too Soon,” as he walked towards Jackson’s casket.

Jermaine and Marlon’s final speech followed by Michael’s daughter Paris Katherine, who told mourners that her father was “the best father you could ever imagine.”

“Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine,” the 11-year-old girl said. “And I just wanted to say I love him so much.”

Memorable quotes from the memorial:

“He is not just the King of Pop, he’s the biggest entertainer that ever lived.”-Berry Gordy

“Michael was a genius with unchallenged ability.”-Brooke Shields

“This is a moment I wished I didn’t live to see come.”-Stevie Wonder

“Maybe now, they’ll leave you alone Michael.”-Marlon Jackson

“Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine.”-A sobbing Paris Katherine Jackson

Take a look at Beyonce’s special tribute to MJ

For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.