Fans and famous bid King of Pop farewell

Generations of fans —- from those who sang along to "ABC" in the 1970s to those who moonwalked to "Billie Jean" in the 1980s —- descended upon the Staples Center in Los Angeles to pay tribute to one of the greatest entertainers: Michael Jackson.

"He was caring and funny, honest, pure, non-jaded and a lover of life," actress Brooke Shields said during Tuesday's memorial service.

An estimated 20,000 people attended the public memorial, which began when pallbearers in gold neckties, single white gloves and sunglasses carried Jackson's gold, flower-draped casket into the arena.

The King of Pop was remembered by a host of celebrities and performers, such as Usher, John Mayer, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and basketball stars Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson.

Atlantans Martin Luther King III and the Rev. Bernice King also shared their thoughts. The service ended with an emotional remark from Jackson's 11-year-old daughter, Paris-Michael.

"Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father I could imagine," she said, crying and turning to lean on her aunt Janet.

"I just want to say I love him so much."

The Associated Press and Los Angeles Times contributed to this report.