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Joe Jackson

Source: Getty

UPDATED: Monday, July 27, 2015 3:50 p.m.

Joe Jackson’s publicist confirmed to Us Weekly that Jackson’s heart stopped three times while he was traveling in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His temporary pacemaker was also replaced with a permanent one on Sunday.

“Yesterday in Sao Paulo Joe had a stroke and then his heart stopped,” the publicist says. “He was at an event and he was “feeling light-headed and dizzy,” so he went to the hospital to be checked out. “They found out there was something wrong with his eye. There was an artery that burst behind it.” Doctors kept him to run some tests, during which time his heart stopped.”

Joe released a statement on his website, thanking fans for their prayers.

“To my family, friends, acquaintances and fans all over the world. I want to thank you all for your prayers, unwavering support and kind well wishes during these trying times. Through God’s intervention the wonderful Doctors, Nurses and caretakers at the Albert Einstein Sao Paulo hospital have taken great care of me. God willing, I should be able to make a quick recovery and travel back home soon. Thank you all once again for your prayers and support.”

His publicist says Jackson “isn’t out of the woods” just yet. Family members plan on bringing Jackson back to the United States for additional treatment.

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Joe Jackson, father of the late musical legend Michael Jackson, was admitted to a hospital in Brazil over the weekend after suffering a stroke, USA Today reports.

Jackson was in the country celebrating his 87th birthday and planned on attending a bash in his honor. However, he was taken to Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo, where doctors discovered he had an irregular heartbeat. Jackson tweeted photos of himself dining in restaurants with his latest artist, French singer Angelina, and fans just a day before the hospitalization.

His daughters also sent him birthday wishes on Twitter:

Jackson was seen on a press run discussing his artist and visiting the Corinthians Soccer Stadium, where players mentor children. He was also given an honorary jersey by Edu Gasper, the current director of the Corinthians Soccer Club.

Jackson opened up about his health while penning an open letter to Janet last week. After mentioning how he suffered four strokes last year, he thanked Janet for nursing him back to health with love and support.

“When I suffered 4 strokes last year, and was in the hospital recovering, only two people in my family traveled all the way to see in the hospital.” he said on his blog. “My granddaughter Brandi (Jackie’s daughter and my baby girl Janet. She sat right next to me as I lay in bed, spent time with me, talking about a lot together. It meant a lot to me. I lay there listening to her as she talked about how she was going to get married. I am happy for her and wish her nothing but the best ! I never tell you this, but I am proud of you Janet.”

Jackson is currently recovering in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

SOURCE: USA Today | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty 

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Joe Jackson Suffers Stroke During Birthday Celebration In Brazil  was originally published on newsone.com