Obama mourns Jackson's death

Condoling the death of pop icon Michael Jackson, US President Barack Obama has described him as a "spectacular performer."

Obama's Press Secretary Robert Gibbs shared the President's views about the legendary singer, who died of suspected cardiac arrest on Thursday night, when asked about it last evening at his daily news briefing.

"I talked to him (Obama) about it this morning. He said to me that obviously, Michael Jackson was a spectacular performer, a music icon," Gibbs said.

"I think everybody remembers hearing his songs, watching him moonwalk on television during Motown's 25th anniversary. But the President also said, he had aspects of his life (which) were sad and tragic.

His condolences went out to the Jackson family and to fans that mourned his loss," Gibbs said.