Hollywood screen legend Elizabeth Taylor has broken her silence on the death of Michael Jackson, saying her "heart and mind" are broken by her close friend's demise.

The 77-year-old two-time Oscar-winning actress had been "too devastated" to comment after news of Jackson's death broke on Thursday.

However in a moving statement that revealed the depth of the affection between Taylor and Jackson, the actress said on Friday she was struggling to contemplate life without the singing star.

"My heart... my mind... are broken," Taylor said. "I loved Michael with all my soul and I can't imagine life without him. We had so much in common and we had such loving fun together."

Taylor said she had been preparing to travel to London to watch the erstwhile King of Pop's comeback concerts starting next month.

"I was packing up my clothes to go to London for his opening when I heard the news. I still can't believe it. I don't want to believe it. It can't be so.

"He will live in my heart forever but it's not enough. My life feels so empty. I don't think anyone knew how much we loved each other. The purest most giving love I've ever known. Oh God! I'm going to miss him.

"I can't yet imagine life without him. But I guess with God's help... I'll learn. I keep looking at the photo he gave me of himself, which says, 'To my true love Elizabeth, I love you forever.'

"And, I will love HIM forever."

AFP