Elizabeth Taylor “heartbroken” over Michael Jackson’s death; Diana Ross, Cher and others also react

You have to feel for grief-stricken screen legend Elizabeth Taylor as much as for Michael Jackson’s family. Like them, she stuck by enormously talented but increasingly troubled star through thick and thin.

The two-time Oscar winner, now 77, broke her silence Friday on the singer’s death:

“My heart… my mind… are broken,” Taylor said. “I loved Michael with all my soul and I can’t imagine life without him. We had so much in common and we had such loving fun together. I was packing up my clothes to go to London for his opening when I heard the news. I still can’t believe it. I don’t want to believe it. 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.

“I can’t yet imagine life without him. But I guess with God’s help… I’ll learn. I keep looking at the photo he gave me of himself, which says, ‘To my true love Elizabeth, I love you forever.’ And, I will love HIM forever.”

The Motown publicity machine had its biggest star, Diana Ross, officially “discover” The Jackson Five in 1969 order to give the group a big launch. In fact, their first album was called Diana Ross presents The Jackson Five. While the former Supreme was just part of a publicity white lie, there is no doubt that she and Michael Jackson go back a very long ways.

They co-starred in The Wiz together and in that 1978 film, memorably dueted on Ease on Down the Road, appeared in a sizzling 1980 Ross special simply called, Diana, and also were front and center for the recording of the classic We Are the World.

It was no surprise to hear about how devastated Miss Ross is about Jackson’s death. In a statement released Friday she said: “I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.”

Another pop diva who has been famous for as long as Ross has also weighed in on Friday. Here is what Cher had to say about Michael’s passing: “I am having a million reactions…When I think of him, I think of this young boy, this teenager I first met … He was a great teenager, optimistic and adorable.”

Also reacting Friday:

Tina Turner: ‘I am shocked and saddened by Michael’s passing. I, along with his millions of fans, looked forward to seeing him tour one more time. Now, may he rest in peace.”

Lance Bass: “Michael was a huge supporter of my career but more importantly he was a good friend, had the biggest heart and it was an honor and pleasure to be able to work with him and know him. There will never be another Michael Jackson, my thoughts and prayers are with his family. … He was a huge hero of mine musically. He will definitely be missed. He was a great man.”

Britney Spears: “He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I’m devastated he’s gone!”

Whitney Houston: “I am full of grief.”