Gladys Knight Moves Jackson Mourners To Tears
GLENDALE, Calif. – A person who attended Michael Jackson's funeral says it was a simple and tasteful affair, and the singer's mother was overcome with grief.
Katherine Jackson appeared extremely weary and had to be helped to her car afterward, said the person, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the day.
As Jackson's brothers carried his golden casket from an outdoor seating area into the mausoleum, Mrs. Jackson had to turn back.
It wasn't clear whether she went inside the great marble building at Forest Lawn Glendale, where Gladys Knight's singing of the "Our Father" hymn moved many to tears, the person said.
Jackson's golden coffin, draped in flowers and with a crown perched on top, had not been put into the vault by the time mourners left.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
GLENDALE, Calif. (AP) — The King of Pop has been laid to rest.
More than two months his death, Michael Jackson was entombed at a private ceremony before more than 200 family and friends Thursday night. The service was delayed more than an hour by his family's tardy arrival at Forest Lawn Glendale.
Celebrities including 77-year-old Elizabeth Taylor waited in the stubborn heat for the outdoor service that was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
The Rev. Al Sharpton spoke at the ceremony, and Gladys Knight performed. Just before 10 p.m., Sharpton posted on his Twitter page that "Michael Jackson has been laid to rest."
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