Michael Jackson’s Legacy as a Father: A Look Through Prince Jackson’s Eyes

Michael Jackson is remembered worldwide as a music icon, but to his children, he was simply “Dad.” For most of the world, Michael was the King of Pop—a larger-than-life figure known for his music, his revolutionary dance moves, and his eccentric lifestyle. But for his son, Prince Michael Jackson Jr., his father was something much more personal and profound: a dedicated and loving parent.

Michael Jackson’s fatherhood was always shrouded in curiosity. Before his untimely death in 2009, Michael was a devoted father to his three children: Prince, Paris, and Blanket (now known as Bigi). Despite the glare of the public eye, Michael was deeply protective of his children, always striving to give them a normal childhood—something he never experienced himself.

He frequently shared in interviews how much joy fatherhood brought him, saying his children meant everything to him. He took great pride in raising them, ensuring that their lives, despite their unusual circumstances, were filled with love and attention.

Michael’s dedication to his children was evident in the lengths he went to protect them from the prying eyes of the media. Most of the public remembers the incident in 2002 when Michael, caught up in excitement, held his nine-month-old son Blanket over a hotel balcony to show fans below.

This sparked global outrage, but Michael later explained that he would never intentionally endanger his children. His protectiveness, though sometimes seen as over-the-top, stemmed from a desire to shield them from the same harshness he endured as a child star.

As Prince Jackson grew older, he began to offer insights into his relationship with his father and what Michael was like behind closed doors. Prince has shared stories of the simple yet meaningful moments he had with his father—whether it was enjoying family outings or dinners that Michael organized. These mundane activities, transformed into cherished memories, highlight Michael’s dedication to his children.

In interviews, Prince has spoken about how much he appreciated his father’s teachings. Michael’s words of wisdom, such as “You did great, but what’s next? How can we make it bigger and better?” continue to motivate him. Prince’s respect for his father’s legacy is evident in his deep sense of responsibility to carry on the Jackson name.

One of the ways Prince honors his father’s legacy is through his nonprofit organization, Heal Los Angeles, which he co-founded with his friend John Muto. Inspired by Michael’s charitable spirit and his own organization, Heal the World Foundation, Heal Los Angeles seeks to uplift underprivileged communities by providing educational resources, life skills training, and more.

For Prince, this is more than just charity work—it’s a continuation of his father’s mission to make the world a better place.

Following Michael’s death, the Jackson siblings—Prince, Paris, and Bigi—have developed a strong bond. Prince often speaks about the importance of family, recalling that his father always emphasized the significance of sticking together. The siblings, now adults, support each other in their individual endeavors.

Paris has pursued a career in music, while Bigi has remained more private, focusing on his studies and personal life. Prince, who doesn’t have a strong interest in music, has channeled his creativity into philanthropy and film. He even directed one of Paris’ music videos, an experience that filled him with pride.

Their shared upbringing, under the watchful eyes of their famous father, created a strong, unbreakable bond between the siblings. They understand each other’s experiences in ways that others cannot, and this connection continues to be a source of strength for them as they navigate the complexities of their lives.

More than a decade after Michael’s passing, his children are still finding ways to honor his legacy. Prince, in particular, has taken it upon himself to carry forward his father’s philanthropic work. Through Heal Los Angeles, Prince aims to empower the next generation by providing the same opportunities and guidance that he was fortunate enough to receive.

Whether it’s through education, financial literacy, or life skills, Prince’s goal is to create lasting change in his community and beyond.

For Prince, living up to the Jackson name is both a privilege and a responsibility. His father’s influence continues to inspire him every day, driving him to do better, to be better, and to help others. As he forges his own path, Prince Jackson is determined to honor his father’s legacy—not just as a musical legend but as a compassionate, loving father who believed in the power of positive change.