Always and Forever the King of Pop

Michael Jackson was finally laid to rest last night in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California in front of his famous family and approximately 200 of their closest friends. After the arrival of the 26 car Jackson family motorcade, Michael's five brothers carried the $30,000 golden casket wearing a single sequined glove on their left hands along with purple armbands embroidered with crowns. His three children, Blanket, Prince, and Paris, placed a crown atop his casket to remind all he is still the King of Pop. Pastor Lucius Smith officiated and Gladys Knight sang "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" followed by Clifton Davis singing "Never Can Say Goodbye." Davis wrote the hit for Michael and the young Jackson 5 when they were at Motown. Statements by Michael's father, Joe Jackson, and family friend, Rev. Al Sharpton were not allowed to be heard by members of the press.

Among others in attendance were Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records, producer and close friend Quincy Jones, Elizabeth Taylor, "Dangerous" producer Teddy Riley, Suzanne de Passe, producer of a Jackson 5 miniseries, actor and perennial Michael impersonator Chris Tucker, Macaulay Culkin, Corey Feldman, Kenny Ortega producer of Michael's "This Is It" concerts. Michael's lawyer Thomas Mesereau and first wife Lisa Marie Presley also attended. Michael's second wife and the mother of his two oldest children, Debbie Rowe did not attend.

Michael's brothers lifted his casket one last time for his final moonwalk into the Great Mausoleum while Gladys Knight led the mourners in "The Lord's Prayer." The mausoleum is also the burial place for Nat King Cole, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy, Jimmy Stewart, Jean Harlow, Red Skelton, and Walt Disney, among many others. Modeled after ancient Italian architecture, the posh mausoleum boasts acres of marble, gilt structures, and stained glass as well as a reproduction of Leonardo DaVinci's "The Last Supper" and Michelangelo sculptures. The Great Mausoleum is under constant 24-hour video and ground surveillance. The crypts are not open to public viewing.