"To you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family. He will forever live in all of hearts," Janet Jackson says when paying tribute to her late brother during 2009 BET Awards.
- June 29, 2009
AceShowbiz -
In the wake of his brother Michael Jackson's sudden death, Janet Jackson made her first public appearance by attending this year's BET Awards, during when she paid her last respect to the late music performer. Speaking on behalf of the entire family, she also thanked fans for their outpouring love and support during the difficult time.
Wearing all white outfits, Janet took the stage and kept her speech short. She told the crowd attending the awards gala held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28, "My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful so they elected me to speak with all of you. I would just like to say that to you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family, and he will forever live in all of our hearts."
"On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all your love; thank you for all your support," Janet went on, before then adding with her trembling voice, "We miss him so much. Thank you so much."
Earlier that day, Michael's father Joseph Jackson also addressed on his son's death. On the red carpet of the event, he told CNN, "I wish the world had recognized him when he was living. Right now, he's bigger than ever. But I wish he was here to see all this, to hear all this."
