Music mogul/superproducer Quincy Jones, who worked with the late Michael Jackson on numerous music and film projects throughout the ’70s and ’80s, has issued a statement on the passing of the King of Pop.

Michael Jackson died Thursday afternoon at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 50 years old.

“I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on ‘The Wiz’ and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the ’80s. To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. 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.”