AP Photo/Cliff Schiappa, File

While some celebs, like best pal Elizabeth Taylor and former Motown labelmate Stevie Wonder, are still too distraught to publicly comment at this time, the entertainment world continues to mourn the passing of pop’s Peter Pan, the late Michael Jackson. The music pioneer passed away on Thursday at the age of 50.

Sheryl Crow toured with Michael Jackson during the Bad World Tour of the late 1980s. She also appeared in the video for “Dirty Diana.”

“For a moment there, I kind hoped that he’d staged his own getaway,” Sheryl told CNN’s Anderson Cooper during a phone interview Thursday night. “He’s got a lot of gigs coming up and the pressure of that, and I thought maybe he’d just staged a getaway. And when the news really started trickling in…it’s just, it’s makes my heart sick.”

Motown founder Berry Gordy: “I am shocked beyond words. It’s like a dream — a bad dream. This cannot be! How can Michael Jackson not be here? As a kid, Michael was always beyond his years. He had a knowingness about him that was incredible. When I first heard him sing Smokey’s song, Who’s Lovin’ You at 10 years old, it felt like he had lived the song for 50 years. Somehow, even at that first meeting with him, he had a hunger to learn, a hunger to be the best and was willing to work as hard and as long as it took. I had no concern about his ability to go to the top. He was like my son. He had warmth, sensitivity and two personalities. When he was not on stage, he was loving, respectful and shy. When he WAS on stage, he was so in charge you would not believe he was the same person. Michael was and will remain one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. He was exceptional, artistic and original. He gave the world his heart and soul through his music. I extend my sympathies to Joe, Katherine and the entire Jackson family. My prayers are with them.”

-Recording comapny BMI, where Jackson produced most of his music: “BMI mourns the passing of Michael Jackson. A BMI Icon, he was one of the greatest entertainers of our era. His songwriting skills, composing both music and lyrics, were as influential as his singing, dancing, personal style and humanitarianism. In an era in which most songs are composed by teams, Michael was the sole composer of dozens of songs that endeared him to audiences around the world. A BMI songwriter since 1976, his catalog contains more than 150 songs, more than 20 reaching multi-million performance status on American radio and television. Our hearts are with his family, especially his children, at this sad time. He will be missed by millions, but we can be comforted that he will live on, young and vibrant, in his music and videos.”

-Mariah Carey: “I am heartbroken. My prayers go out to the Jackson family and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. I feel blessed to have performed with him several times and to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever.”

-Eddie van Halen: “I am really shocked; as I am sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on Beat It back in ‘83, one of my fondest memories in my career. Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace.”

-Cedric the Entertainer: “We lost one of the greatest entertainers of our generation today. Gotta give it up for Mike…shots in the air.”

-Former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, who played on Jackson’s Dangerous album: “Michael Jackson was one of the most talented & dynamic performer/singer/songwriters I ever had the pleasure of working with, he was amazing.”

-Tina Turner: ‘I am shocked and saddened by Michael’s passing. I along with his millions of fans, looked forward to seeing him tour one more time. Now, may he rest in peace.”

-Diana Ross: “I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking,” Diana said Friday. “I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.”

-Donald Trump: “I knew Michael very well. He was a special guy. He was with me many times. So many unbelievable weekends took place with Michael, especially in Palm Beach, Florida.”

“He was all excited about his comeback, he adds. “It didn’t take place until next July and it was sold out, he was telling me it sold out everywhere.”