At just 11 years old, Paris Jackson stood at her father’s funeral and shared an emotional tribute: “Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much.” Those words came from a young girl who had just lost the most important person in her life—her father, Michael Jackson.
Losing a father at such a tender age is devastating. For Paris and her brothers, it meant stepping into the public eye at a time when their world had already shattered. The media, which had once respected Michael’s desire for privacy, turned their focus on his children. Overnight, they were thrust into the spotlight.
After Michael’s death, Paris and her brothers were placed in the care of their grandmother, Katherine Jackson. Paris lived with her until she turned 19, when she chose to move into her father’s private studio on the family compound, transforming it into a personal sanctuary.
Now 23, Paris recently reflected on her life in a candid YouTube interview with supermodel Naomi Campbell. She discussed her music career, her modeling journey, and her upbringing. Paris’ debut album, Wilted, an indie-folk record, explores themes of heartbreak and love. “It’s mainly just a story of heartbreak and love, in general, and the thoughts and feelings that come after it doesn’t work out,” she shared. Her late father’s influence is apparent in her music, and like him, she possesses undeniable talent.
Paris recalled how her father ensured they weren’t shielded from the world’s realities. “He made sure we were cultured, that we were educated—not just exposed to luxury and glamour,” she explained. “We saw everything. We saw third-world countries. We saw every part of the spectrum.”
Despite his fame and fortune, Michael Jackson never allowed his children to take anything for granted. Paris emphasized that they were taught to earn what they wanted from an early age. “If we wanted five toys from FAO Schwarz or Toys ‘R’ Us, we had to read five books. It was about earning it, not just being entitled to things.”
In a 2010 interview with Oprah, Paris opened up about her life at Neverland, where she recalled her father’s incredible cooking skills and how he was just a regular dad who made the best French toast. But as Paris grew older, she faced challenges, particularly when she entered private school. Surrounded by older peers, she struggled with her sense of self and made choices that weren’t suited to her age. “I was doing a lot of things that 13-, 14-, 15-year-olds shouldn’t do. I tried to grow up too fast,” she admitted.
Today, Paris is a completely different person—successful in both music and modeling. After graduating from high school in 2015, she’s steadily making a name for herself, stepping confidently into her father’s legacy while forging her own path. She may have big shoes to fill, but she’s on the right track.
Paris has graced the covers of several influential magazines, though she’s been open about her struggles with self-esteem. “I’ve had self-esteem issues for a really, really long time,” she shared with Rolling Stone. “Plenty of people think I’m ugly, and plenty of people don’t. But when I’m modeling, I forget about my self-esteem issues and focus on what the photographer’s telling me—I feel pretty.”
Though Michael’s passing has been years ago, Paris still feels his absence every day. Many of her tattoos honor him, and she believes his presence is always with her. “I live life with the mentality of ‘OK, I lost the only thing that has ever been important to me.’ So going forward, anything bad that happens can’t be nearly as bad as what happened before. So I can handle it.”
We couldn’t be prouder of Paris and the incredible woman she has become.
Story : Michael Jackson: The Man Behind the Legend
Michael Jackson wasn’t just a pop star; he was a phenomenon. From the moment he stepped onto the stage as a child with the Jackson 5, it was clear that he was born for greatness. His moonwalk, his iconic voice, his legendary performances—they made him The King of Pop.
But behind the glittering stage lights, Michael was a man who longed for normalcy. Despite his fame, he often spoke about his loneliness, his desire for a childhood he never had, and the pressure of always being in the public eye.
Even through controversy, he continued to inspire millions with songs like "Heal the World," "Man in the Mirror," and "Billie Jean." His music wasn’t just entertainment—it carried messages of love, unity, and change.
On June 25, 2009, the world stopped. The news of Michael’s passing shook fans across the globe. Vigils were held, his songs played endlessly on the radio, and people from all walks of life mourned the loss of an artist who had defined a generation.
But even today, his music lives on. His influence is still felt in pop culture, dance, and fashion. Michael Jackson may be gone, but his legacy will moonwalk through history forever.