Like much of his family and many of his fans, Michael Jackson's older brother Jermaine Jackson is having a hard time coping with the news that his younger brother is gone. In an exclusive interview with Matt Lauer on NBC's "Today" show that took place this morning at Neverland Ranch, Jermaine Jackson opened up and spoke about MJ's death, his three children and more.

"I don't know how people are going to take this," a teary-eyed Jermaine said to Lauer. "But I wish it was me. I always felt that I was his backbone. Someone to be there for him."

Jermaine said when he received the news of his brother's death from a friend, he immediately called his mother to confirm. He then went to see his brother at the hospital. "I felt really, really empty," he said. Jermaine also said that Michael's three children were allowed to see him after his death.

When asked about how the family was dealing with their loss, Jermaine said his family was being strong. "We've lost our brother, our hero, the world is mourning. We are mourning. The fans are mourning. It's unbelievable."  

There still has not been any confirmation on the site of Michael Jackson's funeral, but several media outlets are reporting that it will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday.