Diana Ross On Michael: He Was 'Part Of The Fabric Of My Life'

Diana Ross and Michael Jackson pose at the American Music Awards in 1981 WireImageAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Diana Ross, the woman Michael Jackson named in his will as the person he wants to raise his children should his own mother, Katherine, be unable to, has explained why she's not attending the star's memorial.

"I am trying to find closure, I want you to know that even though I am not there at the Staples Center. I am there in my heart. I have decided to pause and be silent," the legendary singer said in a statement to Access Hollywood on Tuesday as the memorial for the King of Pop got underway at the Staples Center.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Private Memorial For Michael Jackson At Forest Lawn Park

"This feels right for me. Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life in a way that I can't seem to find words to express."

And she added that she'll take responsibility for his three children, Prince Michael I, Paris and Prince Michael II, if need be.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Michael Jackson's Public Memorial, July 7, 2009

"Michael wanted me to be there for his children, and I will be there if they ever they need me," she said.

She ended by reaching out to Michael's fans and family.

"I hope, today brings closure for all those who loved him," she wrote, "Thank you Katherine and Joe for sharing your son with the world and with me. I send my love and condolences to the Jackson family."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Hollywood Remembers Michael Jackson

Diana isn't the only one close to the late King of Pop to pass on appearing at the star's public funeral. Quincy Jones, Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Minelli were also absent on Tuesday.

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