June 26, 2009 11:57

Madonna 'can’t stop crying' over Michael Jackson's death

Pair attended 1991 Academy Awards together

Photo Gallery: Michael Jackson

Madonna has said she cannot stop crying after hearing the news of the death of Michael Jackson, who died yesterday (June 25).

The singer, who attended the 1991 Academy Awards on Jackson’s arm, released a statement after learning of his death.

"I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson," she said. "The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."

The pair had earlier in 1991 discussed plans to work on a duet for Jackson’s ‘Dangerous’ album, according to People.com, and at the time, Jackson had just signed the famous ‘billion dollar’ contract with Sony under which he would record six albums for Epic Records and an undisclosed number of movies for Columbia Pictures, both owned by Sony.

Jackson was then earning $1 million a week, with the deal expected to make him a billion dollars.

Jackson was taken to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles yesterday, after suffering what is believed to be a cardiac arrest at his home. A team of doctors tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate him for more than an hour before he was declared dead.

An autopsy is due to take place later today (June 26).

Read Michael Jackson's obituary on NME.COM now.

Michael Jackson - a photo tribute

Michael Jackson - a video tribute

Blog - Which is the greatest Michael Jackson track?

--By our New York staff.
[url="/about"]Find out more about NME.[/url]