Paris Jackson: Navigating Legacy and Personal Challenges

Since the moment of her birth, Paris Jackson has been at the center of numerous controversies, unsurprising given her status as the daughter of Michael Jackson, the greatest pop star to have ever lived. Being Michael Jackson’s only daughter comes with many perks and privileges, but it also meant inheriting the controversies that surrounded her father’s life.

Early Life and Relationship with Michael Jackson

Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson was born on April 3, 1998, in Los Angeles to Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe. Michael and Debbie married after his divorce from Lisa Marie Presley, and they had Paris and her brother Prince.

Despite the luxurious life Paris led, traveling the world and meeting numerous influential people, Michael ensured his children were well-educated and exposed to various world cultures, including the harsh realities of third-world countries.

After Michael and Debbie’s divorce in 1999, Michael gained full custody of Paris and her siblings. Growing up on Michael’s Neverland Ranch, Paris formed a strong bond with her father. His sudden death in 2009, when Paris was only 11, was devastating. At his funeral, her heartfelt tribute to her father moved millions around the world.

Growing Up in the Spotlight

Post-Michael’s death, Katherine Jackson, Paris’s grandmother, took custody of her and her siblings. Paris struggled to adjust to life without her father and to the public school system, having been homeschooled previously. Despite these challenges, she found solace in music, picking up the guitar at age 13 and eventually signing a recording contract with Republic Records.

Paris’s passion for music saw her forming a duo, The Sunflowers, with her then-partner Gabriel Glenn. Her debut album, “Wilted,” released in November 2020, showcased her songwriting talents and carved out her niche in the music industry, distinct from her father’s legacy.

Modeling and Acting Ventures

Paris also made strides in the modeling world, signing with IMG Models in 2017 and becoming the face of Calvin Klein. She participated in various high-profile campaigns, including Jean Paul Gaultier’s final runway showcase and Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS campaign. Her acting career began with television appearances and progressed to roles in “Star” and “American Horror Stories,” proving her versatility and talent.

Personal Life and Relationships

Paris’s romantic life has also garnered public interest. Her relationship with musician Gabriel Glenn was well-documented in their Facebook Watch series, which delved into her life, music, and relationship with Glenn. Despite their eventual breakup, Paris found empowerment and a deeper understanding of herself through the experience.

Her friendships with celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Fergie, and Willow Smith have been supportive pillars in her life. These relationships, along with her siblings, have provided her with a sense of normalcy and support amidst the chaos of fame.

Mental Health Struggles

Paris has been open about her mental health struggles, revealing her battles with PTSD, auditory hallucinations, and multiple suicide attempts. The pressures of growing up in the spotlight, coupled with the trauma of losing her father, have significantly impacted her mental health. Therapy, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), has been instrumental in her healing process.

Despite her struggles, Paris has shown resilience and a commitment to self-improvement. She advocates for mental health awareness and encourages others to seek help when needed. Her journey towards self-love and acceptance is ongoing, but she continues to take life one day at a time with the support of her family and friends.

The Weight of Her Father’s Legacy

Living up to Michael Jackson’s legacy is a daunting task. Paris acknowledges the immense pressure to follow in his footsteps while also forging her own path. Michael’s achievements in music were unparalleled, and the world has high expectations for his children. Paris has chosen to honor her father’s legacy while also creating her own identity in music, modeling, and acting.

Paris Jackson’s life has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but her strength and determination to carve out her own path amidst the shadows of her father’s fame are commendable. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of self-discovery.