Michael Jackson, a musical prodigy, showcased singing and dancing talents far beyond his years and quickly became the central figure of the Jackson 5. As his solo career blossomed, it became clear that Michael’s success would eclipse that of the group. By the 1980s, his popularity skyrocketed, with his 1982 album Thriller becoming the best-selling album of all time.
Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind three young children. After his death, a custody battle ensued between his mother, Katherine Jackson, and his ex-wife, Debbie Rowe. After several weeks of negotiations, the two reached an out-of-court agreement: Katherine would be granted full, permanent custody of Prince Michael I (then 12), Paris-Michael Katherine (then 11), and Prince Michael II, also known as Blanket (then 7), while Debbie would maintain “meaningful visitation rights” and retain her legal parental rights.
Debbie Rowe is the biological mother of Michael Jackson’s two eldest children, Prince and Paris. His youngest child, Blanket, was born via an unnamed surrogate following Michael and Debbie’s divorce.
