Michael Jackson said he was devastated by Princess Diana’s death. In a 1997 interview, he said he woke up to the news, “fell back down in grief,” and felt pain in his stomach and chest.

He also said in his heart, “I love you Diana. Shine. And shine on forever. Cause you are the true princess of the people.”

What he meant

  • He described Diana as someone he knew personally and cared about deeply.
  • He said he had planned to meet her shortly before she died.
  • He also recalled that she liked his song “Dirty Diana,” and that he removed it from a concert out of respect for her.

In plain terms

Jackson’s public comments were emotional and respectful: he spoke like a friend mourning someone he admired, not just as a celebrity reacting to news.

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