Janet Jackson On Michael: 'We Miss Him So Much'

Updated 2:00 AM EST, Mon, Jun 29, 2009

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Joe Jackson wasn't the only Jackson family member at the BET Awards on Sunday night.

Janet Jackson took the stage in a surprise appearance at the close of the awards show, thanking the crowd for their support in the wake of her brother Michael's death on Thursday.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 BET Awards

"My entire family wanted to be here tonight. But it was just too painful," the emotional star said. "So they elected me to speak with all of you and I'm going to keep it very short but I'd just like to say that to you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family.

"He will forever live in all of our hearts," she continued. "On behalf of my family and myself thank you for all of your love, thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much. Thank you so much."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon

Janet's speech was followed by a performance of Michael's "I'll Be There" by host Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo, the final musical number in a night that saw a number of the King of Pop's songs performed by top artists.

At the show's opening, a reunited New Edition performing with former member Bobby Brown sang a Jackson 5 medley, and later in the show, Ne-Yo sang "The Lady In My Life" followed by Ciara doing Michael's "Heal The World."

Joe Jackson, the family patriarch, was seen watching the show and smiling alongside the Rev. Al Sharpton.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Janet Jackson

Earlier on Sunday night, Joe told Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson that Michael would've enjoyed the celebration.

"I wish he could have been here to enjoy all of this," he said on the red carpet. "That's what's important."

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