Knight, Franklin to sing at MJ burial

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Gladys Knight's publicist has confirmed the recording artist is to sing at Michael Jackson's burial in Glendale, Calif.

Jackson died June 25 at age 50. His death was declared a homicide after lethal levels of propofol were found in his system and his personal physician is under investigation for his treatment of Jackson leading up to the singer's death.

Knight's representative told TMZ she will perform at Thursday evening's private service for Jackson at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

People.com said Aretha Franklin is also set to sing at the burial, while longtime Jackson friend Diana Ross is expected to attend.

Jackson reportedly will be interred in the cemetery's Grand Mausoleum where the remains of Hollywood icons Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Jean Harlow and Red Skelton are entombed. The building is not open to the general public.

Jackson's mother, Katherine, requested at a hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court Wednesday that the singer's estate pay the expenses of the burial, including security. People.com said a judge signed off on the request, but left it up to the estate administrators to honor it.