Mourners begin arriving for Jackson burial service
Under a tight cordon of security, a steady stream of luxury cars ferried guests to Forest Lawn Memorial-Park in Glendale this evening for the final leg of pop singer Michael Jackson’s odyssey from death to burial.
Longtime Jackson friend Elizabeth Taylor, who was whisked through the 25-foot-high cemetery gates in a Maybach, was among an expected 200 guests at Jackson’s sunset burial service on a hot night exactly 10 weeks after he was found dead.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Rev. Al Sharpton, actor Macaulay Culkin, baseball player Barry Bonds, comic Chris Tucker and lawyer Thomas A. Mesereau, who successfully defended Jackson on charges of sexual molestation four years ago, arrived to take their places on white chairs lined up for the outdoor service in the tree-dappled, verdant park.
Glendale police blocked off streets around the 300-acre cemetery, and the sprinkling of fans who showed up were relegated to standing behind barricades blocks away. A dozen fans held up a banner reading “King of Pop Michael Jackson Gone Too Soon.”
Jackson is to be interred in a crypt in Holly Terrace, one of 11 halls in the Great Mausoleum, Forest Lawn’s vast granite-and-marble-filled palazzo that serves as the star-studded resting place of Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and other screen legends.
The outdoor service will move into Holly Terrace for a cryptside finale.
The Jackson estate is footing the bill for the service, which has been called by a lawyer for the estate “extraordinary” but worth paying. At least $120,000 will go to cover the Glendale Police Department’s expenses — and that’s just a fraction of the costs. The bulk of the expenses will go to Forest Lawn.
—Chris Lee and Carla Hall
EDITOR'S PICKS:
Rest In Peace, Michael! You are very much missed and loved. May eternal light shine on you, and rest in the mercy & love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Posted by: Mag | September 04, 2009 at 02:10 AM
The burial programs were 8 pages long. ET has the copy
on their site.... I designed the Burial Invitation
after getting all the info & it changed several times,
a job that would have taken 5 to 7 business days to complete
we did it in 2 days....I just got home from the Repass
at the Villa sorriso restaurant Many stas there Lisa Marie,
La Toya, Janet randy it was also low key...
More later.... karen Jewell
Posted by: Karen Jewell | September 04, 2009 at 02:43 AM
My heart still hurts....Its really strange being so emotional about somebody I never met. I grew up with his music and dance and he was so influential in my musical tastes. I wouldn't call myself a real 'fan' as I had forgotten about his influence for many years due to work/children and all life's ups and downs.
Now that he is gone I feel 'guilty' for not paying attention.It saddens me that the people that did know him couldn't or wouldn't help him with his drug addiction.
If anything good can come out of this ,I think its that more of us will keep a closer eye on the ones we love.
Posted by: Naomi | September 04, 2009 at 03:06 AM
I agree, he should of been layed to rest long time ago, this has turned into a circus. Although he never wanted to be burried and he should of been entered into masoleum for everyone to see him forever. Lenin is still out there for abour 100 years now why couldn't they do the same for Elvis and MJ? I guess that would be too costly. Oh well...
Chris, get over it. MJ was bigger than life and any hero you can think of, they will covering him forever so get used to it. That's what we wanna watch!!!
Posted by: Marina MsKGB | September 04, 2009 at 03:28 AM
you were the beat you are the best and will always be the best, will miss your timeless music entertainment and you your trials and tribulations , i was always there to pray for you . mucch love michael
Posted by: farirai | September 04, 2009 at 04:15 AM
will miss you michael , love you RIP
Posted by: farirai | September 04, 2009 at 04:16 AM
MICHAEL JACKSON, RIP THOUGH PHYSICALLY GONE, WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS,CONCERTS, AND SPECIALS KEEPS YOUR MEMORY ALIVE. LIKE THE KING OF ROCK N ROLL ELVIS PRESLEY KING OF SOUL JAMES BROWN AND OF COURSE KING OF POP THE MUSIC AND MEMORIES LIVE ON FOREVER !!
Posted by: SAL BARBATO | September 04, 2009 at 06:32 AM
Even after the death of Miceal Jackson, People are still reaching into Micheal's pockets for money. Micheal gave into all the world,in so many ways. I think all he would request is for peace and love for one another all over the world. Blessing unto the family. The world can't harm him any more!
Teresa Savoy
Posted by: Teresa Stovall-Savoy | September 04, 2009 at 10:54 PM