Madonna, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Quincy Jones, Many More, Mourn Michael Jackson

Madonna, Beyonce, Mariah Carey and legendary producer Quincy Jones are among the many stars to express their shock and sadness at the death of Michael Jackson, and to publicly celebrate his life and legacy.

Some are long-term personal friends, while others are fans and fellow musicians who were inspired by Michael and his music from a young age, but all agree that the world has lost one of it's greatest ever pop legends.

"I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever." - Madonna (via People)

"I just don't have the words. Divinity brought our souls together and allowed us to do what we could do through the 80s. To this day, that music is played in every corner of the world, and the reason is because he had it all - talent, grace and professionalism. I've lost my little brother today and part of my soul has gone with him." - Quincy Jones, long time friend and producer of Michael's Thriller album (via NBC)

"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels. Words fail me." - Lisa Marie Presley (via MTV News)

"I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife Deborah and I will always have great affection for him." - John Landis, director of Thriller video (via TMZ)

The world has "lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together." - Justin Timberlake.

"Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!" Sean 'Diddy' Combs via Twitter.

This is such a tragic loss and a terrible day. 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. He will always be the King of Pop! Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about how many moments in life that take your breath away. For anyone who has ever seen, felt or heard his art, we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you, Michael." - Beyonce (MTV)

"RIP Michael Jackson . My love and prayers go out to the Jackson family...'you are not alone'." - Lindsay Lohan via Twitter

"I am heartbroken. 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 & the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. I feel blessed to have performed with him several times & to call him my friend.

"No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever." - Mariah Carey via Twitter

"Michael Jackson was my inspiration. love and blessings." - Miley Cyrus via Twitter

"He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed." - Britney Spears via Twitter

"We lost a great entertainer and a pop icon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson's family, friends and fans." - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger via Twitter

We want to know what Michael meant to you - please share your memories and tributes below

RIP Michael Jackson: 1958-2009