Entertainment weekly's four tribute covers of Michael Jackson

Portrait taken in 1983

Quotes from Other Stars on Michael Jackson

"I can't stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking," Ross says in a statement. "I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family." --- Diana Ross

"The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. ... I love you Michael." --- Beyonce Knowles

Michael singing at home in 1972

"My heart ... my mind ... are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can't imagine life without him. We had so much in common and we had such loving fun together. I was packing up my clothes to go to London for his opening when I heard the news. I still can't believe it. I don't want to believe it. It can't be so." --- Actress Elizabeth Taylor

Jackson Performing in New York City on Sept 10, 2001

"This was the most exciting collaboration of my life with a man who has inspired me like no other. ... This was the world's greatest performer and the world will miss him." --- Kenny Ortega, who was directing Jackson's upcoming concerts in London and who said he was his friend for 25 years.

Jackson on the set of his "Thriller" video in 1983

"Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music. I will do my part to keep the melody alive, to keep the energy forever changing form, but never ever dying. Long live Michael Jackson." --- R&B singer Ne-Yo

"My prayers go out to the Jackson family, and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world, and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world." --- Mariah Carey