R.I.P. King of Pop

Michael Jackson died today at age 50.

The King of Pop reportedly was rushed to the hospital this afternoon after he went into cardiac arrest at home and stopped breathing.

Jackson had been planning a series of summer comeback concerts in London, and had been rehearsing in the Los Angeles area for the past two months. He was said to be in good health, which makes the news of his dead all the more stunning.

The ’80s icon’s passing is undoubtedly something to mourn. He leaves a void that certainly cannot be replaced, although a part of me already had said good-bye to MJ a long time ago.

I’m more surprised by the fury with which people text-messaged or went on Facebook and Twitter to spread the news.

But like I said, he was the King of Pop. A chapter of modern music has officially come to an end.

Photo: PhotoBucket.com.

Update 1: Click here to read condolence messages from the likes of Miley Cyrus, Demi Moore, Ludacris, John Mayer, MC Hammer, and Lindsay Lohan, among others.

Update 2: Director Steven Spielberg said that, “Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend.”

Update 3: The Queen of Pop, Madonna, “can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.”

Lisa Marie Presley, Brooke Shields, Cher, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, Jane Fonda, Britney Spears, Usher, and heir apparent Justin Timberlake have echoed the sentiment.

Update 4: Beyoncé, Chace Crawford, and Paul McCartney also have expressed their sorrow.

Ditto Mariah Carey, Dick Clark, Soul Train host Don Cornelius, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Wyclef, John Landis (the director of Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” and “Black or White” videos), the Rev. Al Sharpton, and Russell Simmons. And Diana Ross and Tina Turner.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Taylor, one of Jackson’s closest and longstanding friends, was “too devastated” to issue a statement, her rep said.

Update 5: President Barack Obama has sent his condolences to the Jackson family.

Update 6: Elizabeth Taylor has released a statement saying, “My heart…my mind...are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can’t imagine life without him.”