7 News Features: 7's Top 7 - Obituaries

Jermaine Jackson: "My brother, the legendary King of Pop, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 2:26 p.m."

One of the biggest stories of 2009 was the sudden and shocking death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Michael died at 50 years old, just weeks before his big comeback concert series "This is It". Jackson went into cardiac arrest in his West Los Angeles home after an overdose of the powerful anesthetic Propofol reportedly administered by his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray.

Paris Jackson: "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine, and I just want to say I love him so much."

Michael Jackson's daughter Paris touched the hearts of many with her emotional impromptu speech during the King of Pop's all-star memorial at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Michael had been rehearsing at the Staples Center for his upcoming concerts.

Michael Jackson: "Let's do it one more time."

Jackson's concert rehearsal footage was turned into a documentary, showing the world that Jackson was definitely on his game at the time of his tragic death.

On the same day, Hollywood also said goodbye to an angel. Actress Farrah Fawcett lost her brave battle with colon cancer. The 62-year-old former Charlie's Angel was diagnosed with the deadly disease in 2006.

Cancer also claimed the life of Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze. The 57-year-old actor lost his 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Swayze gave fans the time of their lives with his memorable screen roles, like the one in the movie "Ghost".

Natasha Richardson: "Maria, what do you think?"

A seemingly innocent fall on a beginner slope took the life of Tony Award-winning actress and movie star Natasha Richardson, who was not wearing a helmet when she fell at a ski resort in Quebec.

Just days before Christmas, actress Brittany Murphy was found dead in her Los Angeles home. Paramedics say the 32-year-old "Clueless" star went into cardiac arrest and could not be revived. No cause of death had been found pending the results of toxicology tests.

We lost a Golden Girl in 2009. Bea Arthur, star of stage, screen and TV sitcoms, died of cancer. She was 86 years old.

Cancer also dimmed the star of funny man actor Dom Deluise at the age of 75.

Television and movie star Ricardo Montalban died at 88.

Hollywood also lost an Oscar winner when actor Karl Malden passed away at 97 years old.

Ed McMahon: "Here's Johnny!"

Johnny Carson sidekick and TV pitchman Ed McMahon died after being hospitalized with pneumonia. He was 86 years old.

Billy Mays: Billy Mays here for the Gopher."

Mystery surrounded the death of TV pitchman Billy Mays. An autopsy revealed that Mays had cocaine in his system which was a contributing factor to his death.

CBS news veteran and "60 Minutes" creator Don Hewitt died at the age of 86.

Walter Cronkite: "And that's the way it is."

CBS news legend Walter Cronkite passed away at 92 years old after a long illness. The most trusted man in America set a standard in the industry and was the news anchor to whom most of the country turned in times of triumph and tragedy.

"President Kennedy died at 1 p.m. Central time."

In 2009, we said goodbye to two beloved members of the first family of democratic politics. First, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the fifth child of Joseph and Rose Kennedy, passed away at 88 years of age. Shriver, a longtime champion of the developmentally disabled, founded the Special Olympics.

Then, the Lion of the Senate would roar no more. Sen. Ted Kennedy lost his battle with brain cancer at 77 years old. Sen. Kennedy was the youngest brother of President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert Kennedy. He served in Congress for 46 years and was considered one of the most effective legislators of the past few decades.

Sen. Ted Kennedy: "The hope rises again and the dream lives on!"