Michael Jackson’s daughter has broken her silence: “My dad used to…See more

At just 11 years old, Paris Jackson faced an unimaginable moment: standing before the world at her father’s funeral and delivering a heartfelt 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,” she said, her young voice carrying the weight of loss far beyond her years. Those words came from a little girl who had just lost the most significant figure in her life—her father, Michael Jackson.

Losing a parent at such a tender age is devastating under any circumstances. For Paris and her brothers, it was compounded by the intense scrutiny of the public eye. Suddenly, the privacy that had shielded their family was gone, replaced by a relentless media spotlight. The world’s gaze shifted from Michael’s music to his children, thrusting them into a life they were unprepared to navigate.

In the aftermath of their father’s death, Paris and her siblings were placed in the care of their grandmother, Katherine Jackson. Paris lived with her grandmother until she turned 19, when she made the decision to move into her father’s private studio on the family compound. She transformed the space into her own sanctuary, a place where she could reflect, create, and connect with the memory of the father she had lost.

Now 23, Paris has grown into a confident young woman, forging her own identity while honoring her father’s legacy. In a candid YouTube interview with supermodel Naomi Campbell, she spoke openly about her music career, modeling journey, and unique upbringing. Her debut album, Wilted, an indie-folk exploration of heartbreak and love, delves into the emotional aftermath of failed relationships. “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,” Paris shared. The echoes of her father’s influence are evident in her work, yet she is crafting her own artistic voice.

Reflecting on her childhood, Paris recalled how Michael Jackson ensured his children were grounded and exposed to the world beyond fame. “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 emphasized the value of hard work. Paris remembers the lessons vividly: if they wanted five toys from FAO Schwarz or Toys ‘R’ Us, they had to read five books first. It was never about entitlement—it was about earning and appreciating what they had.

In a 2010 interview with Oprah, Paris offered a glimpse into life at Neverland, recalling her father’s surprisingly ordinary talents, like his knack for cooking the best French toast. But as she grew older, Paris faced the challenges of adolescence under the public eye. Transitioning to private school, surrounded by older peers, she struggled to find her place and made choices that did not always reflect 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 has emerged as a remarkable young woman, succeeding in both music and modeling. After graduating high school in 2015, she has steadily built her career, stepping confidently into her father’s shadow while carving out her own path. Her work on magazine covers demonstrates both her versatility and resilience, though she remains candid about her insecurities. “I’ve had self-esteem issues for a really, really long time,” she told Rolling Stone. “Plenty of people think I’m ugly, and plenty of 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.”

Even years after Michael’s passing, his presence is a constant in Paris’ life. Many of her tattoos honor him, and she carries his memory with her daily. “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.”

Through triumph and hardship, Paris Jackson has become a woman of resilience, creativity, and strength. From the loss of her father at a tender age to carving out her own space in the worlds of music and fashion, she stands as a testament to perseverance and the enduring power of family, memory, and self-belief.

We couldn’t be prouder of the incredible young woman Paris has become, a shining example of grace and talent carrying forward a legendary legacy.