Paris Jackson opens up about

“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 were the emotional words spoken by 11-year-old Paris Jackson at the funeral of her father, Michael Jackson, in July 2009. The heartfelt statement, delivered through tears, touched millions of people around the world. In just a few sentences, she revealed a rare glimpse into the private bond between the legendary entertainer and his children—a bond that was usually hidden away from the public eye.

For Paris and her brothers, Prince and Blanket, the loss of their father at such a young age was devastating. Michael had been far more than a global superstar to them; he was their protector, their teacher, and the anchor of their lives. He had gone to great lengths to shield his children from the harsh spotlight that defined his career. His sudden passing meant that the walls he built around their childhood came crashing down, leaving them not only heartbroken but also exposed to the relentless gaze of the media.

In the months and years that followed, the children faced a drastically new reality. The privacy Michael worked so hard to preserve was replaced by constant headlines, flashing cameras, and speculation about their future. For Paris, the weight of public scrutiny was especially heavy. Every move she made, every word she spoke, seemed to be analyzed and judged. For a grieving child, such relentless attention only deepened the challenge of coping with loss. Yet even in those difficult years, she displayed the resilience that her father had quietly instilled in her.

Paris’s brief speech at the funeral became a defining moment in her life. While most of the world mourned the “King of Pop,” she reminded everyone that Michael Jackson was also simply “dad.” That one line, spoken with the honesty only a child could offer, stripped away the fame, controversy, and spectacle that often surrounded him. In that moment, Michael was remembered not as the world’s greatest entertainer but as a loving father whose children adored him.

The years since have brought both triumphs and struggles for Michael Jackson’s children. Prince has pursued education and philanthropy, while Blanket—now known as Bigi—has kept a low profile, focusing on personal growth away from the spotlight. Paris, meanwhile, has chosen to step into the public sphere, carving out her own identity as an actress, model, and musician. Her journey has not been without challenges, including very public battles with mental health, but she has emerged as a voice of authenticity and strength, carrying forward the lessons of resilience and creativity her father gave her.

Through it all, Michael’s memory has remained central to their lives. They have honored him in their own ways, while continuing to navigate fame and adulthood on their own terms. For fans, Paris’s words at the funeral endure as one of the most poignant reminders of who Michael was beyond the stage and studio.

Though more than a decade has passed, her tearful tribute still resonates. It stands as both a testament to her father’s love and as a universal reminder of the powerful, enduring bond between parent and child. Behind the global icon the world mourned was a family that grieved for a father—a father remembered in the simple, timeless words of his daughter: “I love him so much.”