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close* An executive with a concert promoter says Michael Jackson's memorial service will be Tuesday at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles -- if that's what his mother wants.
Randy Phillips, chief executive for AEG Live, which owns Staples and was Jackson's promoter, says he met Thursday with Jackson's brother Randy.
They discussed holding a public memorial Tuesday at Staples but Phillips says Jackson's mother, Katherine, will have the final say.
Phillips says he's hopeful Katherine will make her decision Thursday. He says AEG already has been discussing logistics with city officials.
A Jackson memorial would attract tens of thousands. Phillips says AEG plans to issue free tickets to Staples. He says not sure yet how tickets would be distributed.
* The King of Pop had a fan in the White House.
President Barack Obama described himself as a longtime follower of Michael Jackson, the legendary performer who died June 25 at age 50.
"I grew up on his music -- still have all his stuff on my iPod," Obama said in an AP interview Thursday, adding that Jackson "will go down in history as one of our greatest entertainers."
At the time of his death, the pop icon was preparing a series of comeback concerts to overcome years of sexual scandal and financial calamity -- a troubled history the president acknowledged without naming specifics.
"I think that his brilliance as a performer also was paired with a tragic and, in many ways, sad personal life," Obama said.
He expressed pleasure that the public is celebrating Jackson for his talents, instead of dwelling on his personal tragedies.
"I'm glad to see that he is being remembered primarily for the great joy that he brought to a lot of people through his extraordinary gifts as an entertainer."
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