Joe Jackson 'doing much better'

Joe Jackson is "doing much better" and improving "by the day".

The 87-year-old showbiz patriarch - whose offspring include Michael, Janet and Jermaine Jackson - has reassured his fans he is on the mend and has been told to rest after he was rushed to hospital earlier this month with a high fever, which was discovered during a routine check-up.

A post on his official website, which is accompanied by a picture of him at a seaside resort, he read: "I would like to thank you all for the get well wishes and prayers. I am doing much better and growing stronger by the day.

"Doctors have ordered rest. Thank you always for having me in your thoughts and prayers."

Following his admittance to hospital, there was speculation he may have died, but he took to his website confirm he was very much still with us.

A post entitled 'I Am 100% Alive' read: "The rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated. Please ignore all the stupid false rumours from people who seem to find humour in such topics."

Following news of his father's hospitalisation, Jermaine, 61, revealed the Jackson family were "worried" about Joe, but said he was improving.

He explained: "My father is doing much better. We were all worried but he's doing much better, he's much healthier and we're very happy about that.

"He got weak and they rushed him ... he was doing a normal check-up and he got weak and they admitted him.

"He came for a check-up at his doctor's and they put him in the hospital.

"The way we got the news he was not doing well."