Sunday's BET Awards To Be Dedicated To Michael Jackson

This year's BET Awards will be dedicated to Michael Jackson, the network's chairman and CEO told Access Hollywood in a statement on Friday.

The news comes in response to Michael's surprising death at 50 years old on Thursday. The BET Awards are scheduled for this Sunday.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Michael Jackson & His Superstar Friends

"Words cannot capture the impact Michael Jackson has had on pop culture around the world. He changed the way we hear and feel and move to music; he epitomized what true musical talent and star power really mean. He is and always will be the King of Pop," Debra L. Lee, chairman and CEO of the network said in a statement. "Michael's influence is felt every day in so many ways at BET Networks, and it's been that way throughout our network's entire 29-year history. We watched him grow up, and he truly feels like he is a member of our family. He will be missed more than we can say… but his legend and memory live on in the artists, musicians, producers, dancers, fans, and everyone else who looks to him for inspiration."

"Our annual BET Awards show, scheduled for this Sunday in Los Angeles, is dedicated to Michael Jackson and will pay tribute to his legacy," she sadded. "All of us at BET Networks send our thoughts and prayers to the Jackson family."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: The World Remembers Michael Jackson

Jamie Foxx is set to host the awards show, with artists including Beyonce, Ne-Yo and Keyshia Cole set to perform.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Michael Jackson: The King Of Pop
PLAY IT NOW: Michael Jackson's Body Flown To Corner's Office (June 25, 2009)
PLAY IT NOW: How Michael Jackson Changed Pop Music Forever (June 25, 2009)

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Michael Jackson - Deaths - Awards Season - TV One - Music

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