LONDON (AP) - Celebrities across the globe say they're stunned by the death of Michael Jackson, the pop legend who was on the cusp of a comeback.
Paul McCartney calls Jackson's death "sad and shocking." The former Beatle calls Jackson a "massively talented boy-man with a gentle soul."
Sophia Loren says, "It's horrible news." The Italian actress says "The world has lost an icon and music has lost treasures."
Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos says she cried when she heard the news. She says the child molestation accusations against the singer "caused him so much financial and mental anguish." She says "the battle took his life."
Former South African President Nelson Mandela issued a message through his foundation saying Jackson's loss would be felt worldwide.
Jackson was due to make his return to the stage in a sold-out 50-night concert run in London next month.
©2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.