The Jackson family patriarch sought medical help at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo on 26 July (15) after suffering signs of a stroke, including a loss of vision, as he prepared to celebrate his 87th birthday in the country.

He subsequently underwent heart surgery on Monday (27Jul15) to have a pacemaker fitted after his heart stopped three times, and he was placed in the ICU to recuperate.

His daughter Janet reportedly halted preparations for her upcoming world tour to fly to her father's bedside, and she has been taking care of him since arriving on Tuesday (28Jul15).

New reports suggest Joe is now well on the way to recovery, and he has been moved out of the ICU, according to TMZ.com.

Once he is strong enough, he is expected to be flown back to the U.S. to seek further treatment at home.