President Barack Obama has sent his condolences to the Jackson family after Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, died Thursday afternoon at the age of 50.

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At a news conference Friday, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs was asked how the president reacted to Jackson's passing.

"Look, he said to me that obviously Michael Jackson was a spectacular performer, a music icon," Gibbs told reporters. "I think everybody remembers hearing his songs, watching him moonwalk on television during Motown's 25th anniversary."

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"But the president also said, you know, look, he had aspects of his life [that] were sad and tragic," Gibbs continued. He added that the president's "condolences went out to the Jackson family and to fans that mourn his loss."

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Jackson suffered cardiac arrest at his rented L.A. home Thursday and was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. PST.

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An autopsy is underway, though results aren't likely to be final until toxicology tests could be completed (which could take weeks).

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