Updated July 06, 2009
Elizabeth Taylor Will Not Attend Public Memorial for Michael Jackson
, FOXNews
Elizabeth Taylor ended days of rampant speculation with the announcement that she would not attend the public memorial service for her longtime friend and confidant Michael Jackson.
Elizabeth Taylor ended days of rampant speculation with the announcement that she would not attend the public memorial service for her longtime friend and confidant Michael Jackson Tuesday morning at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
FOXNews.com learned of Taylor's decision through her publicist as the film star posted her announcement on her Twitter page.
She wrote: "My love goes out to Katherine and Michael's beloved children... I said I wouldn't go to the Staples Center and I certainly don't want to become a part of it. I love him too much... I just don't believe that Michael would want me to share my grief with millions of others. How I feel is between us. Not a public event. And I cannot guarantee that I would be coherent to say a word.
"I've been asked to speak at the Staples Center. I cannot be part of the public whoopla."
PHOTOS: Click for pics of Michael Jackson and Liz Taylor through the years.
Since Jackson’s death on June 25, rumors swirled around Taylor's mental and physical health.
After a spate of serious health problems in recent years the 77-year-old has been seen recently using a wheelchair. Shortly after the death of her friend, reports emerged that her health was in further decline — concerns only perpetuated by the silver screen icon’s online outpouring of emotion over the loss of her friend on Twitter last Friday.
She wrote then: "My heart…my mind…are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can’t imagine life without him.
"It can’t be so. He will live in my heart forever but it’s not enough. My life feels so empty. I don’t think anyone knew how much we loved each other. The purest most giving love I’ve ever known. Oh god! I’m going to miss him."
By the weekend, rumors turned into tabloid fodder with reports that Taylor was on suicide watch.
But by Sunday, the reports of her rapid decline changed into reports that she would be delivering the eulogy at Jackson's public memorial escorted by Barry Manilow.
Manilow's rep told FOXNews.com he had a prior engagement and was not planning on attending the memorial.
FULL COVERAGE: Click for FOX News coverage of Michael Jackson's death.
The film legend who first called Jackson the “King of Pop” waited until Monday evening, just hours before the event that is expected to attract tens of thousands, to quash the rumors.
Her decision follows the announcement that Debbie Rowe — Jackon's ex-wife and mother of the singer's two eldest children — would not be attending the memorial.
Latest Entertainment Video
-
-
End of an Era
-
Nov 20, 2009
Oprah announces end of talk show
-
-
-
'Dynasty'
-
Nov 17, 2009
Two Olympic skiers featured in film
-
-
-
Paula Deen
-
Nov 16, 2009
Thanksgiving cooking tips
-
-
-
'Georgia on My Mind'
-
Nov 16, 2009
The Little Rockers perform a classic
-
-
-
Marvin's Minute: 11/16
-
Nov 16, 2009
Your daily entertainment news hit
-
-
-
Giving Back
-
Nov 14, 2009
Amy Grant sending troops holiday cheer
-
MOST ACTIVE IN ENTERTAINMENT
Most Read
Most Commented
-
Larry David Blasted for 'Curb' Episode Where He Urinates on Jesus Painting
October 28, 2009 1,370 comments
-
Lou Dobbs Quits CNN in Surprise Announcement
November 11, 2009 229 comments
-
Oprah Winfrey Tells Audience Her Show's 'Yellow Brick Road' Is Coming to an End
November 20, 2009 96 comments
-
'Sesame Street' Ombudsman Says Fox News Parody 'Should Have Been Resisted'
November 06, 2009 83 comments
-
Parental Advocacy Group Slams CW's 'Gossip Girl' for Intense Sexual Imagery
November 05, 2009 58 comments
-
Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson Win Big at AMAs
November 23, 2009
-
Replay! Our American Music Awards Live Blog
November 22, 2009
-
Carrie Underwood's New Bob: Love It or Hate It?
November 22, 2009
-
Source: Kate and Jon Gosselin Finished Fighting Over the Kids
November 22, 2009
-
Robin Thicke and Wife Already Picked Baby's Name
November 22, 2009
-
Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson Win Big at AMAs
November 23, 2009
-
Replay! Our American Music Awards Live Blog
November 22, 2009
-
Carrie Underwood's New Bob: Love It or Hate It?
November 22, 2009
-
Source: Kate and Jon Gosselin Finished Fighting Over the Kids
November 22, 2009
-
Robin Thicke and Wife Already Picked Baby's Name
November 22, 2009
-
Leftovers from 'The Hangover'
November 23, 2009
-
Khloe & Lamar -- Welcome to the Neighborhood!
November 23, 2009
-
Elvis vs. Roger -- Who'd You Rather?!
November 23, 2009
-
O.J. Simpson Is a Wanted Man
November 23, 2009
-
'Let It Rock' Singer Lets It Suck
November 23, 2009
-
Chaz Bono Says Sex Change Was The "Best Decision I've Ever Made"
November 20, 2009
-
Madonna Wore Bullet-Proof Vest In Brazil
November 20, 2009
-
Robert Pattinson Admits He And Kristen Are Engaged!
November 19, 2009
-
Miley Cyrus Says She's Never Seen Twilight And She Never Will
November 18, 2009



recommend


Subscribe to Comments






