The Jackson family patriarch was admitted to Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo on Sunday afternoon (26Jul15) after experiencing signs of a stroke while in the country to celebrate his 87th birthday.

His publicist tells TMZ.com the stroke was triggered by a burst artery behind his eye, which caused him to suffer a loss of vision.

The representative continues, "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 Jackson had a temporary pacemaker fitted on Sunday night, and he went back into the operating room on Monday (27Jul15) to have a permanent pacemaker inserted.

He remains in the medical centre's intensive care unit and his spokesperson adds: "So far he's doing OK, but he's not out of the woods yet."

Meanwhile, a statement posed on Jackson's website reads: "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."

The veteran has previously suffered a trio of strokes, including one in late 2012.