Los Angeles, July 28 (IANS): Michael Jackson's father Joe Jackson has undergone surgery to have a pacemaker inserted in his chest after suffering three heart attacks in a Sao Paolo hospital.

A Jackson family representative said here that Joe's speech is not impaired and his vision is restored. He even cracked jokes from his hospital bed, reports tmz.com.

Joe thanked everyone for their support through a statement posted on his website, which read: "To my family, friends, acquaintances and fans all over the world. I want to thank you all for your prayers, unwavering support and kind well wishes during these trying times."

"Through god's intervention, the wonderful doctors, nurses and caretakers at the Albert Einstein Sao Paulo hospital have taken great care of me. God willing, I should be able to make a quick recovery and travel back home soon.

"Thank you all once again for your prayers and support," he added.

Joe was rushed to a hospital in Sao Paolo, Brazil on Sunday after he showed signs of stroke. His publicist told the site that the Jackson patriarch lost his vision as a result of an artery bursting behind his eye, which triggered the stroke.

He suffered three heart attacks when arriving in the hospital.

According to the publicist, Joe's heart stopped beating for 10 seconds but he was revived. He then underwent a surgery to have a pacemaker inserted in his chest.

His family wants to fly him back to US for further treatment. Joe was in Brazil to celebrate his 87th birthday.