Michael Jackson has said he plans to celebrate his 50th birthday later enjoying cake and cartoons with his children.

In an interview with Good Morning America, to be broadcast today, Jackson said he felt “very wise and sage” for a 50-year-old, “but at the same time very young.”

Speaking via phone line from his home in California, he spoke candidly about his career and insisted that he was still enjoying writing songs.

But the King of Pop, who has sold over 100 million albums during his career, spent much of the interview talking about his children, and the importance of them having a better childhood than him.

"I am writing all the time," he said. "I love composing and the whole thing. But I am also raising my children and enjoying it and teaching them to ride bicycles and how to read. I love it."

Jackson said he let his three children – two sons and a daughter - "go to the arcade and go to the movies and do things. I want them to get to do the kind of things I didn't get to do.

“So, I fill them with a lot of enjoyment that way -- a lot of amusement. You know?”

As well as writing new music, Jackson said he hoped to tour once again – although he didn't specify what his immediate plans were.

“I have always loved show business and have always enjoyed making people happy through that medium. I love the celebration of music and dance and art. I just love it,” he said.

(by Jason Gregory)