Barack Obama: 'Michael Jackson, Like The Beatles, Became Core Part Of Our Culture'

US President Barack Obama interrupted a diplomatic visit to Russia yesterday (July 7) to pay a final tribute to Michael Jackson.

Obama said that, like Elvis, The Beatles and Frank Sinatra, Jackson had become “a core part of our culture”.

Speaking to CBS in Moscow, the President added: "There are certain people in our popular culture that just capture people's imaginations. And in death, they become even larger.

“Now, I have to admit that it's also fed by a 24/7 media that is insatiable."

Obama has faced questions in the wake of Jackson's death over his decision to delay speaking about the star.

But in an interview last week, Obama said he wasn't aware that he had caused any offence.

The US president also revealed that he was a life-long fan of Jackson and still had all of his music on his iPod.

He said Jackson had been given “extraordinary gifts” and bought “great joy” to his fans.

But Obama also acknowledged that the star's “brilliance as a performer also was paired with a tragic and, in many ways, sad personal life”.

As the president spoke in Moscow, a public memorial service in honour of Jackson was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Stars from stage and screen joined the singer's family in an emotional tribute.

You can read the most memorable quotes below – or click here for highlights.

Stars Pay Tribute To Michael Jackson: The Most Memorable Quotes