Thousands Gather to Say Goodbye to Michael Jackson

Much like his career and life, today's memorial service for Michael Jackson has drawn thousands of fans and media outlets from across the country to Los Angeles. According to reports, Jackson's casket is being transported to the Staples Center for the public memorial which will follow the private service for family members at the Forest Lawn cemetery.

The family is expected to be escorted by police caravan to the star-studded memorial in downtown Los Angeles where 17,500 fans with tickets -- and many without -- are waiting to say goodbye to the King of Pop. Police estimate that over 250,000 fans will crowd the streets to be apart of the public memorial.

The public service will include appearances by some of Jackson's very famous longtime friends, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Martin Luther King III. Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Usher, Lionel Richie, Kobe Bryant, Jennifer Hudson and John Mayer are also set to make appearances. For continuing updates and photos, visit PopEater.