Obama extends condolences in Jackson death

WASHINGTON, June 26 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama, an avid music fan, extended condolences to family members and friends mourning the loss of pop singer Michael Jackson.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters at a news conference Friday Obama called Jackson "a spectacular performer and a music icon."

"I think everybody remembers hearing his songs, watching him moonwalk on television during Motown's 25th anniversary," Gibbs quoted the president as saying.

Jackson, 50, died in Los Angeles Thursday after going into cardiac arrest. He had spent recent weeks preparing for a series of 50 London comeback concerts slated to start next month.

Obama also noted Jackson "had aspects of his life that were sad and tragic. And his condolences went out to the Jackson family and to the fans that mourned his loss."

The president joined a lengthy list of notable figures offering tribute to the singer, including friends such as Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Liza Minnelli and Madonna.