"It's so sad and shocking," said former Beatle McCartney, who worked with Jackson on several songs (including "Say Say Say" and "The Girl is Mine"), but feuded with the singer after Jackson purchased the publishing rights to the Beatles catalog in a manner that McCartney felt was underhanded. But, according to The Associated Press, he said, "I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever."

Update - Monday, June 29, 2009. This morning Jackson manager Frank DiLeo told reporters that Jackson's will has just been removed from his safe. Obviously there was no mention of the McCartney/Beatles rights issue since the primary concern is custody of his 3 children. But the following is a backstory from January on supposed plans for Michael to amend his will to include Paul McCartney. At this point no one knows if he has done so. There was a report on MSNBC today - credited to an anonymous person close to Jackson - that his will may be several years old. Read on and stay tuned....

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Jackson, who recently dismissed reports of ill health, is said to hope that the gesture will repair his friendship with the former Beatle.

Recent reports have Jackson in need of a lung transplant, which he denies.

Their relationship was damaged in 1985 when Jackson trumped a joint bid by Sir Paul and John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, to buy the rights to over 200 Beatles songs.

According to the Mirror newspaper, Jackson has divided his estate between his three children - but wants to leave the songs to Sir Paul.

A source said: "Michael told his lawyers he was sad he no longer talks to Sir Paul and said he wanted to make things right."

Jackson sold half of the song catalogue to Sony in 1995, but is understood to still earn £40million a year from his remaining share.

Sir Paul first formed a friendship with the singer after he dueted with Jackson on the 1982 single 'The Girl Is Mine'.

In December, Jackson said reports he was dying were a "total fabrication".

"Mr Jackson is in fine health, and finalising negotiations with a major entertainment company and television network for both a world tour and a series of specials and appearances," a spokesman added.
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