UPDATE: President Obama has sent a condolence letter to the Jackson family.

Transcript:

Reporter: Okay, I will ask. The President has talked a lot about his love of music. He hosted Stevie Wonder here. He has talked a great deal about what's on his iPod to Rolling Stone Magazine. Well, what's his reaction to the death of Michael Jackson?

MR. GIBBS: I talked to him about it this morning. 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, look, he had -- aspects of his life were sad and tragic. And his condolences went out to the Jackson family and to fans that mourned his loss.

Reporter: Why not a written statement, then?

MR. GIBBS: Because I just said it.

Reporter: And you say he did send condolences to the family -- did he call the family personally?

MR. GIBBS: Not that I know of.