A grief-stricken Janet Jackson appeared at the 2009 BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night. The singing star brought fans a special message from her family in the wake death of her older brother Michael Jackson, who passed away suddenly last Thursday.

“My entire family wanted to be here tonight but it was too painful,” a choked-up Janet told the audience.

“To you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family and he will forever live in our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself thank you for your love and support. We miss him so much. Thank you so much.”