Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Sally

What a day, huh?

First, Farrah Fawcett died of cancer at age 62. Next, Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest at age 50. One died expectedly (albeit before her time); one died suddenly. Both feel like major losses even though we never really knew these people. But regardless, it feels like a part of our lives and culture is now gone.

In some ways, their deaths remind me of Sally’s, but in other ways it seems like a totally separate kind of death. Today I could call or text anyone and say, “Have you heard?” and everyone shared that grief. Bars blasted “Billie Jean” as I walked to the subway. Every news channel and website is investigating and reacting. In this way, death is a universal connector, and there’s something very special and humane about that.

Are you bummed out about MJ and FF? How do you think celebrity death differs from personal grief? Share your thoughts here.