Michael Will Be Bigger In Death

Michael Jackson will be bigger in death than he was in life, according to his father Joe.

In an interview with Fox News, Mr Jackson said he wished his son was around to see the public outpouring of affection towards him.

He also said it was unlikely stress about his upcoming concert tour killed the King of Pop.

Mr Jackson told Geraldo Rivera that the Jackson family is "pretty strong" and coping with their loss.

As for Jackson's children, he said: "My grandchildren are fantastic."

The Jacksons have gathered at the home of Michael's brother Jermaine to make funeral arrangements and discuss the future of the singer's three children.

In a statement issued by Mr Jackson earlier, they said: "Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon.

"It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times.

"We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words."

And then they told fans: "Michael would not want us to give up now. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you.

"Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever."

The family is believed to be planning a series of simultaneous global celebrations to honour the star.

And they are continuing their efforts to discover the truth about what caused Jackson's death by requesting a second post-mortem examination.

Family friend Rev Jesse Jackson said: "We have called for an independent autopsy, we cannot just depend on the state.

"It should be independent and verifiable and it should be done quickly.

"The longer we wait the more anxiety there is about the matter. It deserves real priority."

Police in Los Angeles have now had the chance to speak to Jackson's personal doctor Dr Conrad Murray.

He was with the star when he collapsed but said he was not responsible for his death.

Police have said they are not conducting a criminal inquiry into the death of the pop superstar.

Fox News reported that investigators found Jackson's body to be healthier and stronger than they had expected, with some scarring on the face.