The Real Lives of Michael Jackson’s Children: Prince, Paris, and Big

When Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, the world watched as his children, Prince, Paris, and Bigi, grieved the loss of their father on a public stage. Their tear-filled faces at the memorial captured the heartbreaking reality of losing the King of Pop, but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Jackson children. Though they were thrust into the public eye from an early age, their journeys since have been deeply personal, shaped by their own struggles, dreams, and passions.

Prince Jackson, Michael’s eldest son, took on the responsibility of being the protector of his siblings at just 12 years old. His father’s advice to “take care of your brother and sister” resonated with him deeply, guiding him as he matured into a thoughtful, philanthropic leader. Unlike his father, Prince has never desired the spotlight for himself.

Instead, he has dedicated his life to charity and education, co-founding the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, a tribute to his father’s mission to heal the world. Through Heal LA, he organizes food drives, community programs, and events like the annual Thriller Night fundraiser, ensuring Michael’s legacy of compassion continues to touch lives.

Prince, a private man outside of his charity work, also finds joy in motorcycle riding and movie reviews with his younger brother Bigi. His quiet life in Los Angeles reflects a grounded, humble approach to living out his father’s legacy—not through fame, but through service and love.

Paris Jackson, Michael’s only daughter, has had a much more public journey. From the devastating loss of her father to her struggles with depression and addiction, Paris’ story is one of survival and transformation. At just 11, she publicly mourned her father, and in the years that followed, she faced personal battles, including multiple suicide attempts.

But Paris has emerged stronger than ever. Today, she is a talented musician, model, and actress. In 2020, she released her debut album Wilted, an alt-rock project that was praised for its vulnerability. Her music and career are not simply a continuation of her father’s legacy—they are her own, shaped by her desire to live authentically and unapologetically.

Paris doesn’t just want to be known as Michael Jackson’s daughter; she wants to create her own legacy, to prove that she can stand on her own two feet. Through her openness about her sexuality and mental health, Paris has carved a path for herself that is as fearless as it is inspiring.

The youngest of the trio, Bigi Jackson (formerly known as Blanket), has been the most private. For years, the world knew him only as the shy little boy Michael once held over a hotel balcony. But now, at 23, Bigi has grown into a thoughtful, creative young man.

Despite his fame, he prefers to live outside of the spotlight, rarely giving interviews and staying away from social media. However, Bigi has proven his own creative talents in surprising ways. In 2024, he wrote and directed a short film, Rochelle’s, which won Best Drama at the Santa Monica Film Festival. His passion for film and storytelling—something he shares with his father—has found a creative outlet, and his quiet approach to life reflects a deep sense of purpose.

Bigi is not interested in living for the headlines; instead, he focuses on art, personal growth, and making a difference. Whether it’s through his creative works or his quiet activism for climate change, Bigi’s impact is thoughtful, subtle, and meaningful.

What’s most remarkable about the Jackson siblings is their bond. Despite their differences, they have always supported one another, finding strength in their unity. From family dinners to rare public appearances, they’ve remained close.

In 2023, Prince and Bigi appeared together in Las Vegas to honor their father’s 65th birthday. In 2024, all three siblings walked the red carpet at the opening of MJ the Musical in London. These moments not only remind the world of their father’s enduring legacy but also demonstrate the strength and love that continues to bind them together.

As adults, Prince, Paris, and Bigi have each chosen different paths—Prince with his charity work, Paris with her music and acting, and Bigi with his filmmaking and activism—but they share a deep connection to their father’s spirit.

Michael Jackson’s children may have been thrust into the limelight due to his fame, but they have chosen to live their lives on their own terms, contributing to the world in their own unique ways.

Sixteen years after Michael’s passing, Prince, Paris, and Bigi have shown the world that his legacy is not only alive but flourishing in their own hands. Each sibling carries forward a different piece of their father’s legacy—whether it’s the compassion, creativity, or privacy that defined him. Through their journeys, they have proven that Michael’s greatest legacy isn’t just his music, but the love, resilience, and strength he passed down to them.

Today, they are not just Michael Jackson’s children. They are individuals in their own right, proving that the King of Pop’s spirit continues, not only in his timeless music but in the lives of his children.