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2009 saw the loss of too many entertainers.  Yet, none made a bigger impact than the loss of Michael Jackson.   I remember first reading about Jackson being rushed to the hospital after suffering cardiac arrest on Twitter. Everyone from E!’s Giuliana Rancic to Fox News speculated, but couldn’t confirm, Jackson’s death.  It wasn’t true.  It couldn’t be true!  Impossible!  He was about to launch a comeback concert.  Just a day before his death, Jackson was rehearsing like a champ. This was his chance to polish off the crown and show the world that Jacko was back on top. 

Fate dealt Jackson a major blow and on June 25th at 2:26 pm, PT, he was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Center.  In a strange way, Jackson did launch a comeback and his reign as “King Of Pop” lives on.  For months following Jackson’s death, his music ruled the charts and became some of the most downloaded beats on Itunes.  VH1 and BET aired specials covering Jackson’s career.  “Thriller” and “Billie Jean” were on repeat all summer long. Both MTV VMAS and BET Awards put on awesome-possum tributes to MJ.  Fans around the world mourned the loss a great entertainer, but immortalized him through his music.

In People Magazine‘s year-end issue, director Brett Ratner wrote a tribute to his friend, Michael Jackson.  Ratner remembered Jackson’s passion for entertaining, but also reflected on the performer’s kindness.

“He never talked about himself, unless you asked.  He was all heart-no judgments, no negativity.”

Annie, are you okay?