While the world knew Michael Jackson as the King of Pop, a global icon of music and dance, he often described his most cherished role as that of a father. He was a dedicated, if fiercely protective, parent to his three children, whom he considered his greatest legacy. Following his tragic passing in 2009, the world’s attention naturally turned to Prince, Paris, and Bigi Jackson. From their early years being raised behind the guarded gates of Neverland Ranch to their lives as adults today, they have each navigated the weight of their famous name in remarkably different ways, carving out their own unique paths while honoring their father’s memory.
Michael Jackson’s three kids each have distinct family backgrounds. His first two children, Prince and Paris, were born during his marriage to dermatology nurse Debbie Rowe. After their divorce in 1999, Michael was granted full custody, and Rowe has largely remained out of the public eye. Jackson’s youngest child, Bigi, was born in 2002 to an unnamed surrogate mother, with Michael stating he was the biological father. In their early years, Michael was determined to give them a childhood far from the spotlight he never had, an effort that famously included having them wear masks in public to shield their identities.
The Next Generation: Forging Individual Paths
Prince Jackson, born Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. on February 13, 1997, is the eldest. Now 28, he has built a multifaceted career that blends business, production, and philanthropy. He graduated with a business administration degree from Loyola Marymount University in 2019. A passionate philanthropist, Prince co-founded the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of young people in the city, directly continuing his father’s humanitarian efforts. He also runs his own production company, King’s Son Productions. In his personal life, Prince is a motorcycle enthusiast and recently announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Molly Schirmang.
Paris Jackson, born Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson on April 3, 1998, is 27 years old and has most visibly embraced a life in the public eye. A multi-talented artist, she has established herself as a musician with a distinct folk-alternative sound, releasing her debut album, Wilted, in 2020. She has also found success as a model and actress, with roles in television shows and films, and has been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. Paris has been candid about her past struggles with depression and her journey with her sexuality, stating she identifies as gay and that she doesn’t limit herself to labels.
Bigi Jackson, born Prince Michael Jackson II on February 21, 2002, is the youngest at 23. He was originally known by the nickname “Blanket” but later chose to go by Bigi to shed a childhood moniker that had led to bullying. He is by far the most private of the three siblings, rarely making public appearances. While he shies away from the spotlight, he has expressed interest in filmmaking and has joined his brother Prince in movie review videos. Bigi has also shown a concern for social issues, speaking out about the importance of addressing climate change and wanting to create things that “benefit” people’s lives.
Carrying a Legacy Forward
Despite their different approaches to public life, the three siblings share a close bond and have been seen supporting one another at events like the opening of MJ: The Musical. They have also spoken fondly of their father, often reflecting on the values he instilled in them. Prince has said he believes his dad would be “very proud” of their efforts to spread positivity, which was one of Michael’s main goals.
Paris, meanwhile, has expressed that she “owes everything” to her father. From the masked children the world first met to the independent adults they are today, Prince, Paris, and Bigi Jackson have each navigated an extraordinary inheritance, finding their own voices while forever carrying forward their father’s complex and powerful legacy.
