Michael Jackson’s Kids: Prince, Paris, and Bigi Today
Michael Jackson had three children: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., known as Prince; Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, known as Paris; and Prince Michael Jackson II, now known as Bigi and formerly called Blanket. Prince and Paris were born to Michael’s former wife, Debbie Rowe. Bigi was born through a surrogate whose identity has not been publicly disclosed.
All three were raised largely out of public view. After Michael Jackson died in 2009, they grew up under the care of their grandmother, Katherine Jackson, and have since built lives with very different public profiles. Prince focuses on charity and production, Paris works in music, modeling, and acting, and Bigi has kept a lower profile while exploring film and climate issues.
This A-Z guide follows their family story, from the childhood masks meant to protect their privacy to the careers, milestones, and estate matters shaping their adult lives.
Guest Posts brings you this concise look at the people behind one of pop culture’s most closely watched families.
Michael jackson kids glossary:
Overview of Michael Jackson Kids: Birth, Parents, and Early Life
The world has remained endlessly fascinated by Michael Jackson’s children since the late 1990s. Growing up under the glare of global celebrity, each child entered the world during a transformative period in the King of Pop’s life.
| Child | Full Name | Date of Birth | Mother | Godparents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Jackson | Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. | February 13, 1997 | Debbie Rowe | Elizabeth Taylor & Macaulay Culkin |
| Paris Jackson | Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson | April 3, 1998 | Debbie Rowe | Elizabeth Taylor & Macaulay Culkin |
| Bigi Jackson | Prince Michael Jackson II | February 21, 2002 | Undisclosed Surrogate | Close Family Circle |
Eldest son Prince Jackson was born in Los Angeles. Michael had married dermatology nurse Deborah Jeanne Rowe in 1996, and together they welcomed Prince followed closely by Paris a year later. Michael and Debbie divorced in 2000, with Michael retaining full custody of both children while Rowe agreed to a settlement granting her visitation rights.
In February 2002, Michael expanded his family with the arrival of Prince Michael Jackson II (initially nicknamed Blanket). Born via an undisclosed surrogate, Bigi’s early introduction to international headlines occurred when his father briefly held him over a hotel balcony railing in Berlin to greet cheering fans.
Michael chose two of his closest, most trusted confidants—Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor and actor Macaulay Culkin—as godparents for Prince and Paris. This circle provided a buffer of support during their formative years.
Growing Up Jackson: Neverland, Masks, and the 2009 Tragedy
Childhood for Prince, Paris, and Bigi was unlike anything ordinary kids experience. Much of their early life unfolded on the 2,700-acre grounds of Neverland Valley Ranch in Santa Barbara County, California. The property served as both an amusement park wonderland—equipped with a Ferris wheel, carousel, and private zoo—and a fortified sanctuary shielded from media frenzy.
The siblings were initially homeschooled by private tutors, traveling globally with their father during his international projects. Michael was determined to provide his children with the carefree childhood he felt he had missed as a child star in Gary, Indiana.
However, their sheltered world came crashing down on June 25, 2009. Michael Jackson suffered cardiac arrest and passed away at age 50 at his rented Holmby Hills mansion. Our detailed guide to how Michael Jackson died outlines the criminal investigation involving Dr. Conrad Murray and the subsequent legal aftermath that reshaped the family’s future.
Following their father’s death, the three children moved to the Jackson family compound in Encino, California. Their grandmother, Katherine Jackson, was granted permanent legal guardianship. In 2012, joint custody was established with their adult cousin, T.J. Jackson, who provided daily structural guidance as the children transitioned into traditional schooling at The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks.
The Mask Policy and Protecting Michael Jackson Kids from Paparazzi
One of the most widely discussed elements of their upbringing was Michael’s strict rule requiring the children to wear decorative face veils, carnival masks, or silk scarves whenever they appeared in public spaces.
While tabloids treated the custom as an eccentricity, the reasoning was straightforward: anonymity. Michael wanted his children to be able to go to movie theaters, visit theme parks, and eat at restaurants without being recognized or swarmed by paparazzi when they were not accompanied by him.
The strategy succeeded during their early youth. Until the televised memorial service in July 2009, the broader public had rarely seen the unmasked faces of Michael Jackson’s kids.
Navigating Loss and Custody After 2009
The transition into the public eye was abrupt. During Michael’s worldwide memorial service at the Staples Center, an 11-year-old Paris stepped to the microphone in an unscripted, tearful moment, calling Michael “the best father you could ever imagine.”
The following year, Prince and Paris stood on stage at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards to accept a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of their father.
As the years progressed, the family navigated significant courtroom drama:
- 2011 Criminal Trial: Dr. Conrad Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for administering the fatal dose of propofol.
- 2013 Wrongful Death Lawsuit: The Jackson family pursued a civil suit seeking up to $1.5 billion against concert promoter AEG Live, where Prince testified about the day his father died. A jury ultimately found AEG Live not liable.
- Guardianship Evolution: As Katherine Jackson entered her late 80s, co-guardianship duties shifted smoothly toward T.J. Jackson and uncle Tito Jackson until Bigi reached legal adulthood.
Where Are They Now? Individual Profiles of Prince, Paris, and Bigi
As adults, Prince, Paris, and Bigi have chosen distinctly unique paths that reflect their individual personalities and creative interests. For more background on the eldest son, Prince Jackson’s biography offers further context on his transition into adulthood.
Prince Jackson: Philanthropy, Producing, and New Milestones
Michael Joseph “Prince” Jackson Jr. has embraced the role of community builder and behind-the-scenes creator. Rather than stepping in front of the microphone, Prince studied business administration, graduating cum laude from Loyola Marymount University in 2019.
While in college, Prince co-founded the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, taking direct inspiration from his father’s 1992 Heal the World initiative. The non-profit focuses on ending child hunger, supporting inner-city youth education, and organizing community outreach programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prince partnered the foundation with meal delivery services to distribute food across Los Angeles.
Prince is also an enthusiastic motorcycle rider, documenting his road trips and bike builds on YouTube. In entertainment, he served as an executive producer on the high-profile biographical film Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring his cousin Jaafar Jackson.
On the personal front, Prince celebrated a major relationship milestone by announcing his engagement to his longtime partner, Molly Schirmang, in August 2025 after eight years together.
Paris Jackson: Music, Modeling, and Personal Resilience
Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson has carved out an accomplished career across music, high fashion, and film. Signed by IMG Models in 2017 after appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone, Paris quickly became a sought-after runway model and the first-ever brand ambassador for KVD Beauty in 2022.
In acting, Paris has appeared in series such as American Horror Stories, Star, and the film Gringo. Her primary artistic devotion, however, is music:
- Solo Debut: She released her alternative/indie-folk studio album Wilted in late 2020 through Republic Records.
- Extended Plays: Followed up with The Soundflowers (collaborative EP) and The Lost EP (2022).
- Touring: Paris regularly tours across North America and Europe, performing under her own name and occasionally under the moniker PK Dragonfly.
Paris has been remarkably candid about her personal resilience, openly discussing her past struggles with anxiety, depression, and self-harm during her teenage years. She reconnected with her biological mother, Debbie Rowe, during her late teens, building an honest friendship documented in her 2021 appearance on Red Table Talk. Following a brief engagement to music producer Justin Long that concluded in mid-2025, Paris remains centered on her musical output and wellness.
Bigi Jackson: Filmmaking and Environmental Advocacy
Prince Michael “Bigi” Jackson II has consistently favored the quietest lifestyle among the three siblings. In 2015, he decided to legally leave behind the childhood moniker “Blanket,” officially adopting the name Bigi to distance himself from years of schoolyard teasing and establish his personal identity.
Bigi is deeply invested in cinema history, screenwriting, and film direction. Alongside Prince and their cousin Taj Jackson, Bigi created a YouTube movie review channel discussing science fiction releases, superhero franchises, and indie films.
In addition to film production, Bigi is an advocate for climate change education. In rare broadcast interviews, such as a 2021 segment filmed at the Jackson estate, Bigi stressed the critical responsibility young generations share in addressing global environmental degradation.
Sibling Bond, Joint Appearances, and Ongoing Challenges
Despite the immense public scrutiny that comes with their surname, the bond between Prince, Paris, and Bigi remains unbreakable. The three consider one another best friends, frequently gathering for casual family celebrations and major milestone premieres.
Inside the Sibling Connection of Michael Jackson Kids Today
The Jackson trio frequently comes together to honor their father’s artistic contributions. In March 2024, all three siblings made a rare joint red-carpet appearance at the Prince Edward Theatre in London for the West End premiere of MJ: The Musical.
In April 2026, Prince and Bigi traveled together to Germany to attend the Berlin premiere of the biopic Michael, greeting fans and celebrating the project’s record-setting worldwide box office run.
Whether gathering at local Los Angeles sushi spots to celebrate Bigi’s birthdays or hosting their annual “Thriller Night” charity costume parties at the family estate, the siblings consistently display genuine solidarity.
Navigating Estate Legal Disputes and Public Scrutiny
Operating as heirs to one of the most lucrative entertainment estates in global history brings complex legal responsibilities. The Michael Jackson Estate generates substantial posthumous revenue through music publishing catalogs, theatrical productions, and licensing agreements.
In early 2026, Paris Jackson took formal legal action challenging certain executor fees and expense filings, opposing over $115,000 in anti-SLAPP legal costs to demand enhanced financial transparency and stewardship of the estate’s resources. Prince, Paris, and Bigi continue to exercise rigorous oversight regarding how their father’s likeness, catalog, and long-term trust assets are managed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Jackson’s Children
Who are the biological mothers of Michael Jackson’s three children?
Debbie Rowe is the biological mother of Prince Jackson (born 1997) and Paris Jackson (born 1998). Prince Michael Jackson II (Bigi, born 2002) was born via an undisclosed surrogate mother whose identity has remained confidential.
Why did Blanket Jackson change his legal name to Bigi?
Prince Michael Jackson II adopted the name Bigi in 2015 after experiencing bullying over his childhood nickname Blanket. The name change allowed him to establish his own identity as he entered high school.
Who are the godparents of Prince and Paris Jackson?
Michael Jackson chose actress Elizabeth Taylor and actor Macaulay Culkin as godparents for both Prince and Paris Jackson.
Conclusion
From their shielded childhood at Neverland Ranch to navigating the immense tragedy of 2009, Prince, Paris, and Bigi Jackson have grown into grounded, creative, and independent adults. Through Prince’s dedicated philanthropy, Paris’s evocative musical career, and Bigi’s quiet passion for cinema, the three siblings continue to honor their father’s cultural legacy while forging meaningful identities of their own.
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