Michael Jackson’s sister, Pop, R&B singer and actress, Janet Jackson and their father Joe Jackson attended the BET Awards on Sunday night (June 28, 2009) in Los Angeles at the Shrine Auditorium for a special tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, after his sudden death on Thursday, June 25, 2009.

In Janet Jackson’s first statement and public appearance since the death of her brother Michael Jackson, the singer spoke on behalf of the entire Jackson family stating, “My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful, so they elected me to speak to all of you and I’m gonna keep it very short. And, I would like to say — to you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family and he will forever live in all of our hearts.”

Janet Jackson, although evidently devastated and heartbroken by her brother’s death, stayed strong and continued with her speech, “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,” as she waved out to the crowd holding her composure.

Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson’s father who was seated next to Rev. Al Sharpton at the 2009 BET Awards, had stated earlier to CNN that he wished the world would have recognized Michael Jackson when he was living and that Michael’s now even bigger than ever.

“Right now, he’s bigger than ever. But I wish he was here to see all this, to hear all this,” stated Joe Jackson.

Watch the video of Janet Jackson’s speech at the 2009 BET Awards below as well as view pictures from the 2009 BET Awards Show:

More photos from BET Awards 2009 show.

 Print This Post

a d v e r t i s e m e n t

Last 5 posts in Awards/Award Shows

• Beyonce, Maxwell and Keri Hilson Lead CENTRIC: 2009 Soul Train Awards - October 29th, 2009
• Kanye West Leads 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards; Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, T.I. Follow - September 17th, 2009
• BET Hip-Hop Awards 2009 Nominees - September 17th, 2009
• Lil Mama Explains Her Kanye West Moment During Jay-Z VMA's Performance - September 14th, 2009
• Kim Kardashian Glams Up! Debuts Sexy New Blonde Hair Style (Photos) - August 10th, 2009

Last 5 posts in Celebrity News

• Diddy Turns 40, Still Parties Like a Rockstar! Jay-Z Pissed At Beyonce?! (Photos) - November 20th, 2009
• Gospel Rapper Da Truth Had Affair With Tye Tribbet's Wife, After He Slept With BF's Baby Mama! - November 20th, 2009
• Miley Cyrus Tour Bus Involved In Deadly Crash! More Details Revealed + Photos - November 20th, 2009
• Beyonce Says She's Not Ready For Kids Despite Jay Z's Wants! - November 19th, 2009
• Janet Jackson Knew of Michael's Drug Addiction; Blames Doctor For Propofol Death - November 19th, 2009

Last 5 posts in Entertainment

• Diddy Turns 40, Still Parties Like a Rockstar! Jay-Z Pissed At Beyonce?! (Photos) - November 20th, 2009
• Beyonce Says She's Not Ready For Kids Despite Jay Z's Wants! - November 19th, 2009
• Bad Ass Beyonce Knowles Clip! Crowd Surfing In High Heels + Twitter Recap! - November 18th, 2009
• Rihanna's Wardrobe Malfunction Causes Nipple Slip At Awards Show (Photos) - November 18th, 2009
• Carmen Electra's Leaked Lesbian Sex Tape Video (Slightly NSFW) - November 18th, 2009

Last 5 posts in Janet Jackson

• Janet Jackson Knew of Michael's Drug Addiction; Blames Doctor For Propofol Death - November 19th, 2009
• Janet Jackson Leaks New Song After VMAs Performance; Preps Comeback Album - September 15th, 2009
• Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri Break-Up: Caught On Tape! LOL - August 14th, 2009
• Family Wants Own Michael Jackson Autopsy; Janet, Moving Vans Arrive - June 27th, 2009
• Jermaine Dupri Inks Janet Jackson! - May 22nd, 2009

Last 5 posts in Michael Jackson

• Janet Jackson Knew of Michael's Drug Addiction; Blames Doctor For Propofol Death - November 19th, 2009
• Video: Michael Jackson Official 'This Is It' Trailer - September 14th, 2009
• Michael Jackson's Cause of Death Confirmed By LA Coroner As Homicide - August 28th, 2009
• Diddy Says Michael Jackson 'Got His Groove On' With Beyonce Knowles! - July 24th, 2009
• Michael Jackson's Hair On Fire Pepsi Commercial Sparks New Controversy - July 18th, 2009

Last 5 posts in News

• Diddy Turns 40, Still Parties Like a Rockstar! Jay-Z Pissed At Beyonce?! (Photos) - November 20th, 2009
• Gospel Rapper Da Truth Had Affair With Tye Tribbet's Wife, After He Slept With BF's Baby Mama! - November 20th, 2009
• Miley Cyrus Tour Bus Involved In Deadly Crash! More Details Revealed + Photos - November 20th, 2009
• Beyonce Says She's Not Ready For Kids Despite Jay Z's Wants! - November 19th, 2009
• Janet Jackson Knew of Michael's Drug Addiction; Blames Doctor For Propofol Death - November 19th, 2009