CHARLIE SHEEN BUSINESS PARTNER SINGS PRAISES Just Before HIV Announcement

Charlie Sheen's people are preemptively rallying around him, hours before the actor appears on TV to say he has HIV.

Bob Maron, Charlie's business partner, reached out to us to say, "Charlie Sheen is a living legend.  His legacy is that he's one of the greatest actors of his generation, and has entertained us for more than 30 years."

Maron goes on, "Those who know him personally would undoubtedly agree that he's one of the funniest, most generous and bravest guys I have known.  I am incredibly proud to call him both a friend business partner."

Charlie's big challenge ... explaining how he has had the virus for well over 2 years but continued to have sex without telling his partners of his status.  As we reported, Charlie will say on "Today" that the HIV in his system has been undetectable.