President Barack Obama is sending his condolences to the family of late pop star Michael Jackson, who died in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon.

“Michael Jackson was a spectacular performer, a music icon,” White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs conveyed the President’s reaction during a news conference Friday. “Everyone remembers hearing his songs, watching him moonwalk on television during Motown’s 25th anniversary. But the President also said that [there were] aspects of his life that were sad and tragic. His condolences went out to the Jackson family and fans who [are mourning] his loss.”