Janet Jackson On Michael: 'We Miss Him So Much'

Access Hollywood - June 29, 2009 4:16 AM PDT
Story photo: Janet Jackson On Michael: 'We Miss Him So Much'An emotional Janet Jackson takes the stage at the 2009 BET Awards on June 28, 2009 Getty ImagesAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Joe Jackson wasn't the only Jackson family member at the BET Awards on Sunday night.

Janet Jackson took the stage in a surprise appearance at the close of the awards show, thanking the crowd for their support in the wake of her brother Michael's death on Thursday.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 BET Awards

"My entire family wanted to be here tonight. But it was just too painful," the emotional star said. "So they elected me to speak with all of you and I'm going to keep it very short but I'd just like to say that to you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family.

"He will forever live in all of our hearts," she continued. "On behalf of my family and myself thank you for all of your love, thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much. Thank you so much."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon

Janet's speech was followed by a performance of Michael's "I'll Be There" by host Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo, the final musical number in a night that saw a number of the King of Pop's songs performed by top artists.

At the show's opening, a reunited New Edition performing with former member Bobby Brown sang a Jackson 5 medley, and later in the show, Ne-Yo sang "The Lady In My Life" followed by Ciara doing Michael's "Heal The World."

Joe Jackson, the family patriarch, was seen watching the show and smiling alongside the Rev. Al Sharpton.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Janet Jackson

Earlier on Sunday night, Joe told Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson that Michael would've enjoyed the celebration.

"I wish he could have been here to enjoy all of this," he said on the red carpet. "That's what's important."

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: The World Reacts To Michael Jackson's Death
PLAY IT NOW: Access Looks Back: Michael Jackson Over The Years

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Janet Jackson - Michael Jackson - TV One - Music - Celebrities

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comments 1-10 of 24  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Regina
    i fell so sorry for the jaskson family my felling goes out to them in may god be with u all the time love regina michel jaskson fan
    report abuseposted August 21, 2009 9:47 PM PDT
  • Tracy
    Thank you Janet for sharing a few words with us concerning Micheal. They all loved him, he was their brother. They will ALL miss him tremendously...
    report abuseposted June 30, 2009 9:02 PM PDT
  • Renee
    Hopefully the lost of this great Man, will cause America to cherrish her stars differently. Let honor Janet, Jammie Fox ,Will Smith, Wesely and Denzel with the type of love that will see them into OLD AGE and not with the selfish lust that made MJ a victim. I don't know about the rest of his fans but this lost is diffently going to make me check the women in the mirror.
    report abuseposted June 30, 2009 5:29 PM PDT
  • tangelia s
    To Sarah and to all that seem to have hate for black people in their bones I will certainly pray for you as well that a change will come over you and that you can remove hate for other races from your heart. If you haven't done anything to help others or better yet has done anything to be remember by don't make ignorant comments keep that to yourself I am highly offended.
    report abuseposted June 29, 2009 9:21 AM PDT
  • tangelia s
    I give my condolences to Janet Jackson and the entire Jackson family Michaeal Jackson death is certainly a shock to all of us that loved him he was very talented and will certainly be missed. I will keep your family in my prayers R.I.P. Micheal Jackson gone but will never be forgotten miss you!
    report abuseposted June 29, 2009 9:13 AM PDT
  • tangelia s
    This is certainly a sad world I guess prejudice will forever live on. There is always a caucasian person putting down an African American but you can't beat a white person trying to imitate our style. everything we come out with is always being copied by your race don't hate the race hate the fact that you don't have what he had to bring to the world you heartless %@!*#.
    report abuseposted June 29, 2009 8:56 AM PDT
  • tangelia s
    To Sarah's %@!*# ass how the hell do you know he wasn't right in the head have you spent anytime with him to confirm that?I truly doubt it. I am so tired of all you prejudice caucasians making comments about Micheal Jackson. there are several white pop stars that are on drugs and do other things that I fine demeaning, look at Osbourne all the drugs he has done has got his damn brai
    report abuseposted June 29, 2009 8:49 AM PDT
  • vmp
    Michael Jackson was a unique human being on this planet and there will never be another King of Pop ever so lets celebrate his music and legacy.R.I.P Michael
    report abuseposted June 29, 2009 7:43 AM PDT
  • Sarah
    Okay the man might not have been right in the head and all but he sure as hell didn't deserve to die like he did either. He will surely be missed. RIP Michael. RIP.
    report abuseposted June 29, 2009 6:28 AM PDT
  • wonderful
    Janet is so strong just to be able to stand there and do that. His music will live on but they're still without a brother, son and father.
    report abuseposted June 29, 2009 6:27 AM PDT
comments 1-10 of 24  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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