Experiencing the loss of a parent is a profound and life-altering event that can be challenging to convey to those who have not gone through it firsthand. The process of navigating through the grief and profound changes that accompany the death of a mother or father must be incredibly difficult. It is unimaginable how overwhelming it must be for the children affected by such a loss, especially when they find themselves under the spotlight of the media.
In 2009, the world was stunned by the passing of Michael Jackson, leaving behind his young children. At the time of his death, Prince was 12, Paris was 11, and Blanket was only 7 years old. Michael Jackson, the beloved King of Pop, was on the brink of embarking on his farewell tour, This Is It, when his life tragically came to an end. His sudden departure sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and far beyond.
And while the global community mourned the passing of a legendary figure, Prince, Paris, and Blanket grieved the loss of their beloved father. During the highly publicized memorial for Michael Jackson, billions of viewers worldwide were captivated as Paris courageously stepped forward to deliver a deeply moving homage.
Through tearful eyes, Paris painted a poignant picture of her father, portraying him as the epitome of parental love and care. Her heartfelt words resonated with audiences, evoking a sense of profound loss felt by all who admired the iconic musician.
In the wake of Michael Jackson’s departure, his children found solace under the guardianship of their grandmother Katherine, a devout Jehovah’s Witness known for her disciplined approach to upbringing, which starkly contrasted with their previous experiences.
In 2021, Paris joined the Red Table Talk podcast to talk about navigating life following her father’s untimely death at the age of 50. When questioned about how she found the courage to persevere after MJ’s sudden passing, Paris responded, “I’m not sure, it just sort of happened.”
“I was so young that I wasn’t conscious of ‘I’ve gotta keep going,” she said.
“I was just going through the motions and didn’t really understand what was happening, and so I just went with what I was told to do and, ‘Okay, I’m living here now, okay, I’m going to school now and I’m not home-schooled anymore, I’ll just do what I’m told’.Because I didn’t really have much guidance.”
After their father’s departure, Jackson’s children transitioned from homeschooling and globe-trotting with him to enrolling in a conventional school and residing under the watchful eye of their grandmother, Katherine. Despite the change, Paris expressed her admiration for all the family members who contributed to their upbringing.
“I’m still very close with my brothers, and I see my family during family reunions and I tell them all the time, ‘If you wanna call me, call me. I’ve got love and respect for all you guys,’” she said.
“I just saw my cousins for Thanksgiving and Christmas, even though we don’t call it that because a lot of them are Jehovah’s Witnesses [who don’t celebrate holidays or birthdays], so we’re just like ‘family reunion during the holidays.’”
Paris’s decision to conceal her 80 tattoos for the Grammy Awards generated significant buzz recently. The 25-year-old shared that she opted to cover them up to ensure that her outfit remained the focal point of her ensemble. Despite her love for piercings, tattoos, and other body modifications, she recognized that at times, they could overshadow the artistry of her fashion choices. This strategic move highlights Paris’s thoughtful approach to balancing her personal style with the overall aesthetic she aimed to achieve for the prestigious event. “I love my piercings and my tattoos, all the body mod stuff, but sometimes it can distract from the art,” she said.
Through her openness and vulnerability, Paris inspired many people to embrace the healing power of love, resilience, and self-discovery in the face of adversity.