‘Our pleas came too late and he died’

Talitha Linehan spent the last decade travelling the world with Michael Jackson. A fan from an early age, the writer from Boherbue in Co Cork became a close friend of the superstar. She now lives in Los Angeles.

MICHAEL JACKSON was the most beautiful soul on the planet and I am deeply saddened by his passing.

I became a fan when I was a little girl and feel blessed to have become close to him in the last few years. He was sensitive, kind and caring and gave everything of himself to bring joy and light into the world.

Michael didn’t want to die. He had dreams for the future. He wanted to see his children grow. He wanted to perform in London. He wanted to make new music. He told me his new album would centre around the theme of global warming.

That’s all he ever wanted to do, to save the world, the same world that had tainted his name with false allegations, that had put him through hell in the name of greed.

It’s a cliche to say someone was too good for this world but in his case, it’s true.

Michael was too open, too naive, too trusting and was seen as an easy target time and time again. Weeks before he died, he told fans in Los Angeles that he wasn’t sure whether he was up to performing 50 concerts, a statement that leaked into the media and that tour promoters AEG denied.

The night before Michael died, a friend and I handed him letters from fans all over the world, many of whom he knew personally, pleading with him to put his health first and not to feel pressured into doing more shows than he wanted to do – or any at all.

Sadly our pleas came too late and Michael died the next day.

We had suffered with him. We had fought for him. We have loved him deeply. Sadly we couldn’t save him. The only comfort I have in this dark time is that Michael’s spirit is free and at peace now and the world finally might appreciate the soul it neglected to treasure.

I love you Michael Jackson.

You will always be my angel.