Joe Jackson ‘not out of woods yet’

Joe Jackson is "not out of the woods yet" after suffering a stroke, his publicist has said.

The father of the late Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson was rushed to hospital on Sunday while visiting Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The incident occurred on his 87th birthday and a spokesperson for the family has given an update on his progress.

"Yesterday in Sao Paolo Joe had a stroke and then his heart stopped," they told Us Weekly. "He had one stroke and then his heart stopped three times, I don't know if they're calling that a heart attack, but officially they said one stroke and his heart stopped three times."

Joe had felt lightheaded and dizzy before seeking medical help. The publicist added that doctors found a problem with his eye and that an artery had burst behind it. He was kept in for further tests and it was during this time that his heart stopped for ten seconds before he was revived.

The former manager of The Jackson 5 was fitted with a temporary pacemaker on Sunday before having a permanent version put in place on Monday, according to the spokesperson.

This isn't the first time Joe has suffered a stroke, as he has had three previous attacks including one in November 2012.

The patriarch gave a personal update on his website after his latest operation but made no mention of his heart problems.

"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," he wrote. "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."