Michael Jackson's young daughter has told a public memorial service in Los Angeles that she loves her father.

Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson gave a short but emotional statement to the audience of thousands in the downtown Staples Center arena Tuesday.

Paris said that ever since she was born, her "daddy" was the best father one could imagine.

She ended by saying, "I just wanted to say I love him so much."

Many celebrities came to speak and perform to honor Jackson.

Stevie Wonder says, "This is a moment that I wished I didn't live to see."

Those words came before Wonder's performance at the memorial attended by some 20,000 fans and watched by millions around the world.

With his golden casket resting in front of the stage, Jackson was been saluted by music mogul Berry Gordy, and by basketball greats Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryan.

Jennifer Hudson sang Jackson's hit "Will You Be There." John Mayer played guitar on a rendition of "Human Nature." And Lionel Richie delivered a performance infused with gospel.

Members of the Jackson family sat in the front row, including his brothers and what appeared to be his three children.

Jackson's brothers, acting as pallbearers, each wore a gold necktie, a single spangly white glove and sunglasses.

Brother Jermaine Jackson took the stage and sang the standard "Smile" as he fought back tears.