Michael Jackson, a musical prodigy, showcased singing and dancing talents that were far beyond his years. He quickly became the central figure of the Jackson 5.
Michael Jackson during a concert on December 18, 1992, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. | Source: Getty Images
As his solo career blossomed, it was clear that Michael's success would surpass that of his group, and by the 1980s, his popularity skyrocketed. His album "Thriller," released in 1982, became the best-selling album of all time.
Michael sadly passed away on June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. He left behind three young children, and after his passing, a custody battle ensued between his mother, Katherine Jackson, and his ex-wife, Debbie Rowe.
Following several weeks of negotiations, the two reached an out-of-court agreement. Reports at the time revealed that Katherine would be granted full, permanent custody of the children, while Debbie would receive "meaningful visitation rights."
A source with direct knowledge of the agreement confirmed that Katherine retained sole custody of Prince Michael I, then 12, Paris-Michael Katherine, then 11, and Prince Michael II, then seven (Blanket), with Debbie maintaining her legal parental rights.
Katherine Jackson leaves the Santa Maria Courthouse on April 30, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Debbie is the biological mother of Michael Jackson's two eldest children, Prince and Paris. His youngest child, Blanket, was born via an unnamed surrogate following Michael and Debbie's divorce.
In a 2016 interview, Michael's eldest son, Prince, shared that he considered his grandmother, Katherine, and his cousin, Frances, as the two primary mother figures in his life. "As for my birth mother, she's always been more of a friend, and that works for us," he added.
Katherine and Michael Jackson depart from Santa Barbara County Court on April 21, 2005 in Santa Maria, California. | Source: Getty Images
In the same interview, Prince opened up about the challenges he and his siblings faced after their father’s passing. He explained, "After he died, we got bombarded with [everything]."
This included the resurfacing of Michael's scandals, such as the numerous allegations of child molestation, his acquittal of child sexual abuse charges, and constant speculation about his changing appearance and eccentric behavior dating back to the 1980s.
Michael and Katherine Jackson leave the courtroom at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse on May 13, 2005, in Santa Maria, California. | Source: Getty Images
After being carefully protected from the intense media scrutiny that surrounded their father, Michael's kids found themselves confronting the same accusations and tabloid gossip that had often overshadowed his fame.
The very scandals and rumors that had plagued their father’s life now became a part of their own reality. As they grew older, Michael's children each took their own paths in life.
(L to R) Prince, Paris, and Bigi aka Blanket Jackson at the press night performance of "MJ: The Musical" on March 27, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Prince openly shared that many people initially expected him to follow in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in music and dance. However, he humorously confessed that he couldn't do either of them.
Michael and Prince Jackson pictured on March 28, 1998 | Source: Getty Images
"Music is a big part of my life. It shaped who I am because of my family, but I've always wanted to go into production. My dad would ask me what I wanted to do and my answer was always producing and directing," said Prince.
Michael and Prince Jackson pictured on the balcony of the Adlon Hotel on November 19, 2002, in Berlin, Germany. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his father’s efforts to shield him from the public eye, Prince received full support from the Jackson family in his chosen career path. His cousin, Taj Jackson, described him as "extremely smart" and noted that Prince is a grounded young man, a trait instilled in him by his father.
Prince Jackson attends the 23rd annual Harold & Carole Pump Foundation Gala on August 18, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Unlike him, Prince's little sister Paris, has decided to follow in their dad's footsteps by pursuing a music career. Michael's death deeply affected his daughter, leaving her emotionally scarred.
She attempted to take her own life multiple times, ultimately entering treatment at the age of 15. In a March 2017 interview, Paris openly disclosed that she "was always the weird kid."
Minders escort the veiled Paris and Prince Jackson as they visit the Berlin zoo on November 20, 2002, in Berlin, Germany. | Source: Getty Images
"I've always wanted to kind of break off and do my own thing, just 'cause I feel I enjoy independence very much," she expressed. Growing up, Michael used to dress his daughter in an idealized, traditional way, often in dainty pinafores, lacy collared blouses, and Mary Jane shoes.
Now, as she embraces her own identity, her style reflects a vibrant, free-spirited look, featuring tie-dyed bright colors, dangling peace-sign necklaces, and worn Converse sneakers.
Paris, Michael and Prince Jackson visiting Harrods on October 12, 2005, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Michael was famously obsessed with safeguarding his children's privacy, often having them wear masks or veils whenever they appeared in public with him. However, after his death, the children were suddenly unmasked, revealing not only their faces but also the extent of their isolation from the outside world.
