Representatives for Michael Jackson's family said today he would be buried on August 29th, which would have been the pop star's 51st birthday, as they outlined plans for a private ceremony with family and friends.
The burial will happen at 6pm (Irish time) on that day at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in a suburb of Los Angeles, a family spokesman said in a statement.
"The Jackson family once again wishes to express its gratitude to Michael's fans around the world for their support during these difficult times," the spokesman said.
Yesterday, the New York Daily Newsreported that Joe Jackson, the singer's father, told one of the newspaper's reporters that the family recently finalized plans to lay Jackson to rest on what would have been his birthday.
The Thrillersinger died suddenly on June 25th after suffering cardiac arrest, and Jackson's family held a public memorial on July 7th at Los Angeles' downtown Staples Center.
The reason the popular singer's heart stopped remains a mystery.
An autopsy report has been completed, but its contents remain sealed pending an investigation by Los Angeles police who are probing the role prescription drugs may have played and the actions of doctors who treated Jackson.
Reuters