"I'm happy to be alive. I'm happy to be here," said a radiant Elizabeth Taylor as she celebrated her 75th birthday last night at the Ritz-Carlton here on Lake Las Vegas.

 

Although she turned up almost 90-minutes late for the birthday bash given by family and friends, Dame Elizabeth still wowed a jam-packed red carpet of more than 100 reporters, worldwide press photographers from London to Los Angeles including our own Scott Doctor and TV camera crews from 'Entertainment Tonight,' 'Extra' and 'Access Hollywood.'

 

Michael Jackson had been expected to attend because he was the Vegas catalyst for the party, we were told by Elizabeth herself that he wasn't able to make it. However, there were still rumors that he slipped in privately for the strictly-closed event . Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher (pictured above), Siegfried & Roy, Steve and Elaine Wynn (pictured below) and supermodel Kathy Ireland did show for the red-carpet arrivals.

 

Elizabeth, although wheelchair bound, was with her son, Christopher and grandchildren. She glowed beautifully wearing a massive selection of bangles, baubles and beads from her multi-million-dollar jewelry collection (sample below).

 

 

Kathy Ireland (pictured below) was among the stars who attended Elizabeth's party. My ABC News producer, Al Mancini, asked her what she thought Liz had achieved in her life to most affect the world. "There's not another human being who can compare to the body of work of what she's accomplished, and continues to accomplish. Her work in design, her fragrance, her White Diamonds, incredible. But I would say her work with HIV/AIDS, that is where she truly has changed the world in such a powerful way," said Kathy.

 

 

 

Dame Elizabeth returned the sentiment by saying, "It's great to work with Kathy Ireland. I love working with her."

And Debbie Reynolds added, "Elizabeth Taylor is a great American star, a great American beauty. Just like Ava Gardner or Marilyn Monroe, she's one of our icons. We're here not only here to pay respect, but because she's a great friend and because she is our American icon."

Even the press corps sang 'Happy Birthday' to her on the red carpet and she responded, "God bless you and I love you."

Asked about Michael Jackson's no-show, Elizabeth commented, "I've spoken to him, but he can't come."

When asked what gave her the most pride after such a long life, Liz replied simply "my children." As for her secret to living 75 years, the screen legend laughed and said, "hanging in and just living a very healthy, clean life."

 

 

Liz added, "I love Vegas. It's such a fun and happy place. I want everybody to know I'm feeling fine and it sure is a good feeling to be surrounded by my family and friends on such a birthday as this one."

She admitted to being "disappointed" with some of the Academy Award winners while she watched the telecast on Sunday, "but the ones I did predict and won made me happy."