Paris Jackson, the only daughter of Michael Jackson, has lived a life under the scrutiny that comes with being the child of a global icon. Despite the challenges, she has forged her path while carrying the profound impact of her father’s legacy.
Growing up as Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris experienced a childhood unlike any other. In various interviews, including a notable discussion with supermodel Naomi Campbell, Paris has opened up about the profound influence her father had on her life. She describes Michael not just as a global superstar but as a dedicated father who went to great lengths to ensure his children were well-rounded and educated.
Paris fondly recalls how her father emphasized the importance of being cultured and educated. Michael Jackson ensured that his children saw more than just luxury and glamour. He exposed them to diverse environments, from five-star hotels to third-world countries, giving them a broad view of the world. This approach was integral to Paris’s upbringing, helping her appreciate a spectrum of human experiences and fostering a deep sense of gratitude and humility.
One of the key lessons Paris learned from her father was the value of earning her accomplishments. Michael instilled a strong work ethic in his children, teaching them that privilege should be balanced with personal effort. Paris shared that even simple desires, like toys, were tied to personal achievements, such as reading books. This principle of earning one’s keep has shaped her approach to life and her career in the entertainment industry.
The Personal Impact of Michael’s Death
The sudden death of Michael Jackson in 2009 was a devastating blow to Paris, who was just 11 years old at the time. During his televised memorial service, a globally witnessed event, Paris tearfully expressed that her father was “the best father you could ever imagine.” This public expression of love and loss marked a significant moment, highlighting the deep bond between father and daughter.
What she thought about him
Paris Jackson commemorated her father, Michael Jackson, on what would have been his 65th birthday with a heartfelt tribute during her performance at Las Colonias Park Amphitheater in Colorado. The emotional homage, captured in a video Paris shared on her Instagram Story on August 29, resonated deeply with both the audience and her social media followers.
As she addressed the crowd, Paris held a poster and reflected on her father’s legacy, stating, “He would have been 65 years old today. And he put 50 years of blood, sweat, and tears and love and passion into doing what he did, so that I can stand up here on stage in front of you and scream into a microphone. So I owe everything to him.”
Before her stage performance, Paris posted a video from her dressing room, sharing personal memories of how Michael Jackson felt about his birthday. She revealed, “Back when he was alive, he used to hate anybody acknowledging his birthday, wishing him a happy birthday, celebrating it — nothing like that. He actually didn’t want us to even know when his birthday was, because he didn’t want us to throw a party, or anything like that.”
Paris was only 11 years old when her father passed away in 2009, and since then, the public’s fascination with her and her family has grown significantly. She also touched on the pressure of social media expectations regarding familial relationships, stating, “Social media is apparently how people express their love and affection these days and if you don’t wish someone a happy birthday via social media, it apparently means that you don’t love them, that you don’t care about them.”
Michael Jackson, also known as the King of Pop, shared his life and three children with the world, including his sons Prince (born Michael Jackson Jr.) and Prince Michael Jackson II (previously known as Blanket, now Bigi), along with Paris, his daughter with ex-wife Debbie Rowe. The couple was married from 1996 to 2000, and Michael welcomed his youngest son in 2002. Paris’s tribute not only honored her father’s artistic legacy but also highlighted the personal struggles and pressures faced by those left behind.
