Michael Jackson turns 50

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Former U.S. pop superstar Michael Jackson said he planned to spend his 50th birthday Friday eating cake and hanging out with his three young children.

"(I'm) having a wonderful time, just relaxing," People.com reported he said via telephone on ABC-TV's "Good Morning America."

Asked how he planned to spend his birthday, he replied, "A little cake with my children and we'll probably watch some cartoons."

As for reaching the milestone, Jackson said, "I feel very wise and sage but at the same time very young."

The former member of the Jackson Five is best known for his iconic solo album "Thriller," which gave the world classic hits such as "Thriller," "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" more than 25 years ago. He released several successful albums after that, however, his talent and career in recent years have been overshadowed by erratic behavior and financial and legal troubles.

Although the singer has kept a low profile since he was acquitted in 2005 of child molestation, he said he believes "great things" lie ahead of him professionally.

"I am writing all the time," People.com quoted him as saying on "Good Morning America." "I love composing. ... I am also raising my children and enjoying it and teaching them to ride bicycles and how to read. ... I love it. ... I let them go to the arcade and go to the movies and do things. ... I want them to get to do the kind of things I didn't get to do."