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A Star-Studded Tribute

Associated Press
Tue, July 07, 2009

The ceremony attended by thousands in the downtown Staples Center and watched by millions around the world had a spiritual tone punctuated by performances and remembrances.  Jackson's three children joined his siblings and celebrities on stage for the finale Tuesday.

The memorial service wrapped up with some emotional words from his young daughter. A tearful Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson told the thousands gathered at a Los Angeles arena that Jackson was the best father one could imagine.

Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey and Lionel Richie are among those who paid tribute to Jackson through song.  Looking on from the front row were members of the Jackson family, including brother Jermaine -- who took the stage and sang the standard "Smile" as he fought back tears.  The Jackson family had earlier gathered at an area cemetery for a private service.

Among the fans who gathered to remember Michael Jackson was a man who flew in from England, even before he knew he had won a ticket to the memorial.  Melvin Price says he's been a Jackson fan for 35 years.  One woman who drove from Arkansas says she just wanted to be nearby, even though she knew she wouldn't be able to get in.

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