UPDATE 9-FACTBOX-Reactions to Michael Jackson's death

(Adds Pres. Obama, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, others)

June 26 (Reuters) - Michael Jackson's sudden death at the age of 50 brought reactions from across the music world and elsewhere. Below are some of those reactions.

-- U.S. President Barack Obama called Jackson a "spectacular performer" and said some of aspects of the performer's life were "sad and tragic," according to White House spokesman Robert Gibbs.

-- Elizabeth Taylor, acting legend and good friend said in a statement: "My heart ... my mind ... are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can't imagine life without him. We has so much in common and we had such loving fun together."

"I keep looking at the photo he game me of himself, which says, 'To my true love Elizabeth, I love you forever.' And, I will love HIM forever."

-- Singing legend Diana Ross: "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."

-- Motown's Smokey Robinson: "It is always hard to lose a friend. I will miss Michael and all that he brought to the world through his music and his creative genius. I know that his legend will live on and the world will miss him dearly."

-- Political activist and family friend, Rev. Jesse Jackson talking to reporters at the Jackson family home in California:

"He was so excited about going to London ... The world was waiting for Michael's return. And Michael was practicing maybe three hours a day, real vigorous exercise. That's why we are so taken aback by the suddenness of this heart attack, because Michael was really in good physical shape," Jackson said.

-- Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley who was married to Jackson in the mid-1990s, said in a statement:

"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."

-- Jackson's sister, Janet, was "grief-stricken and devastated at the sudden loss of her brother" and flying back to California to be with her family, according to a statement released through her manager.

-- Music producer Quincy Jones, who collaborated with Jackson on three of his best-selling albums, "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad," said:

"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at this young age, I just don't have the words."

"He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today and part of my soul has gone with him."

-- Former Beatle Paul McCartney said on his website: