Michael Jackson is Dead

Michael Jackson, 50, died after a cardiac arrest at his Holmby Hills residence, early this afternoon. Once at the hospital, the paramedics tried to resuscitate Jackson but they had no luck.

Family members reported that he was in "really bad shape" and "not doing well."

A spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department told CNN that rescuers were called to Mr. Jackson’s home at 12:21 p.m. Pacific. “When paramedics went on the scene, they treated the patient, then they immediately transported the patient to UCLA,” the spokesman told CNN. Mr. Jackson’s home is located only a few minutes from the hospital center.

“And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.” Michael Jackson

VIDEO: Michael Jackson Rushed To Hospital From His Home

The Pop Star had scheduled to perform concerts at London's O2 arena. According to Jackson's website, tickets sales for the concerts broke several records. During a prior press conference, Jackson made suggestions of possible retirement. Randy Phillips, president and chief executive of AEG Live stated that the first 10 dates alone would earn the singer approximately £50 million.

"It’s hard to believe that 25 years ago, Quincy Jones and I embarked on an album named “Thriller.” To be able to say that “Thriller” still holds the record as the biggest selling album of all time, is just mind blowing. I have you my fans through out the world to thank for this achievement. There is still much more to come from Michael Jackson. My passion for music has never stopped. And for those who don’t know, I’ve been in the studio recording Thriller 25th Anniversary album, with a lot of surprise guests. It’s my hope that “Thriller” continues to live on for each new generation to discover. And thank you to my fans. I love you from the bottom of my heart and I hope to see you very soon. I love you. God bless you.”

Jackson was one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career—more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era—and the sales of over 750 million albums worldwide. Cited as one of the world's most famous men, Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career, has made him a part of popular culture for almost four decades.

"If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with."