Comments (0)Michael Jackson
Never Can Say Goodbye
September 4, 2009
Among the approximately 200 family members and friends who attended Michael Jackson’s funeral yesterday was – of course—Dame Elizabeth Taylor, arguably Jacko’s closest pal and the person who reportedly coined the term “King of Pop” for him.
The 77-year-old Academy Award-winner – who converted to Judaism after the 1958 death of her husband Mike Todd and before her 1959 marriage to Eddie Fisher—came to the funeral service in a wheelchair. The funeral took place at Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale, Calif.
“We shouldn’t have to be here,” the reclusive star told fellow mourners. “It shouldn’t have happened. He shouldn’t have passed away.”
Also at the service were Michael’s three children, led by his daughter, Paris, 11, who placed a crown atop their father’s coffin. A family spokesman said it was “to signify the final resting place of the King of Pop.”
Lisa Marie Presley, one of Jacko’s former wives and the daughter of Elvis Presley, attended the service, according to a family statement. The statement did not mention Debbie Rowe, Jackson’s second wife and mother of his two oldest children.
Also in attendance was actor Macaulay Culkin, who was there with his girlfriend, actress Mila Kunis. Actors Corey Feldman and Chris Tucker were also seen at the service.
Also at the service was David Rothenberg, a burn victim who Jackson took care of for years after 90 percent of his body was burned in a childhood fire.
“He was very scarred over all of his body,” a guest said of Mr. Rothenberg. “He spoke about Michael and how he cared for him for so long without asking for anything in return. It was very moving.”
At another recent high-profile memorial service, celebrities and others bade farewell to Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein. Among those in attendance were former fiancée Nicole Richie, actress Lindsay Lohan, Samantha Ronson, Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart.
The service for the 36-year-old celebrity deejay – who was found dead Aug. 28, reportedly of a drug overdose – was held at the Hollywood Palladium.