Michael Jackson advised Britney to quit singing

A few weeks before his death, Michael Jackson reportedly advised Britney Spears to retire from the music industry to focus on life with her family.

The late 'Thriller' star - who died of a suspected cardiac arrest on June 25 - reportedly telephoned the 'Toxic' hitmaker and warned her not to 'end up' like him.

"Michael told her, 'Don't end up like me.' His warning was eerie, like he was trying to tell Britney he was going to die," Contactmusic quoted a friend of Britney as saying.

The source told Britain's Look magazine, "I think Michael's warning sent shivers down Britney's spine. He was emphatic in warning her she should leave showbusiness in order to maintain her sanity. He thought she should retire after the 'Circus' tour so she could focus on the things that mattered - her sons and family. Britney must have taken Michael's words to heart as she promised him she would at least take a long break after she finished the tour," the source added.

Jackson and Spears had remained friends since they famously performed 'The Way You Make Me Feel' together at Michael's 30th anniversary celebration concert in New York's Madison Square Garden in 2001.