“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.” These heartfelt words were spoken by an 11-year-old Paris Jackson at the funeral of her father, Michael Jackson. The world watched as she bravely paid tribute to the man who meant everything to her.
Losing a parent is never easy, but for Paris and her brothers, it was especially challenging. Not only did they have to cope with the loss of their beloved father, but they were also thrust into the relentless glare of the media spotlight. Despite Michael Jackson’s efforts to protect his children from fame, their every move became the subject of public curiosity.
After Michael’s passing, Paris and her siblings were placed under the care of their grandmother, Katherine Jackson. Paris lived with her until she turned 19, eventually moving into her father’s private studio on the family estate. She transformed the space into her own cozy, dorm-style haven, where she could express her creativity and independence.
Carving Out Her Own Identity
Now 23, Paris Jackson has emerged as a talented artist in her own right. In a candid YouTube interview with supermodel Naomi Campbell, Paris opened up about her career in modeling, her debut music album, and her unique upbringing.
Her first album, Wilted, is an indie-folk record that delves into themes of love and heartbreak. In an interview with Paper magazine, Paris credited her father’s music as a major inspiration. “My dad was really good about making sure we were cultured and educated,” she shared. “It wasn’t just about the glitz and glam—staying at fancy hotels. We visited third-world countries and experienced the full spectrum of life.”
Despite Michael Jackson’s immense fortune and global fame, he instilled a strong work ethic in his children. Paris recalled that her father didn’t simply hand them whatever they desired. “Even growing up, it was about earning things,” she explained. “If we wanted five toys from FAO Schwarz or Toys ‘R’ Us, we had to read five books first. It was about working for it, not feeling entitled. It taught us the value of accomplishment.”
Overcoming Personal Struggles
While Paris cherishes the memories of her father’s love and guidance, her journey hasn’t been without challenges. In a 2010 interview with Oprah Winfrey, she described Michael as a loving and down-to-earth parent who made “the best French toast in the world.” However, as she entered her teenage years, she faced personal struggles.
During her time in middle school, Paris began associating with older peers, leading to difficult experiences. “I was doing things that 13-, 14-, 15-year-olds shouldn’t do,” she admitted in Rolling Stone. “I tried to grow up too fast and wasn’t a very nice person.”
With time, Paris found her footing and began to embrace her artistic passions. After graduating from high school in 2015, she pursued a career in both modeling and music. Her hard work paid off, landing her on the covers of major fashion magazines and earning her recognition as a rising star.
However, Paris has been open about her struggles with self-esteem. “I’ve dealt with self-image issues for a long time,” she revealed. “A lot of people think I’m ugly, and a lot of people don’t. But when I’m modeling, I stop thinking about my insecurities and focus on the photographer’s direction. In that moment, I feel beautiful. It’s kind of selfish, but it works.”
Keeping Her Father’s Memory Alive
Even as she forges her own path, Paris continues to honor her father’s legacy. She has dedicated several tattoos to Michael and believes his spirit is still with her. “I live with the mindset that I already lost the most important thing in my life,” she told Rolling Stone. “So whatever bad thing happens now can’t be worse than what I’ve already been through. I can handle it.”
Paris Jackson’s journey is a testament to resilience and creativity. From coping with unimaginable loss to finding her voice as an artist, she has remained true to herself while carrying forward her father’s legacy. With her music, modeling career, and commitment to making a positive impact, Paris is not only honoring Michael Jackson’s memory but also carving out a name that’s uniquely her own.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this remarkable young woman.
Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.
