President Barack Obama has offered his condolences to the family of Michael Jackson in the wake of the star's sudden death.

The King of Pop passed away on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of 50.

Emotional tributes have poured in from Jackson's close friends, family and colleagues; and President Obama has stepped in to offer words of support, remarking on Jackson's incredible influence on pop culture as the world grieves his loss.

At a news conference on Friday, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs addressed the star's death: "Condolences went out to the Jackson family and to fans that mourn his loss."

Gibbs added of the president's immediate reaction to the tragic event: "Look, he said to me that obviously Michael Jackson was a spectacular performer, a music icon. I think everybody remembers hearing his songs, watching him moonwalk on television during Motown's 25th anniversary. But the president also said, you know, look, he had aspects of his life (that) were sad and tragic."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)