Meet Michael Jackson’s Three Children
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 commonly known as Bigi and formerly called Blanket.
Prince and Paris were born to Michael Jackson and his former wife, Debbie Rowe. Bigi was born via an anonymous surrogate. Since Jackson’s death in 2009, the siblings have grown into adults with very different public paths: Prince works in philanthropy and entertainment, Paris is a musician, model, and actor, and Bigi largely stays private while showing interest in filmmaking and environmental issues.
Their childhood was unusually protected from public view. After their father’s death, their grandmother Katherine Jackson became their guardian, later sharing guardianship responsibilities with their cousin T.J. Jackson.
This guide covers the basics of Michael Jackson’s kids, their upbringing, and how each has built an identity beyond one of pop culture’s most famous family names.
Who Are the Michael Jackson Kids? An Overview
Growing up as the children of the “King of Pop” meant spending childhood under a level of public scrutiny few families on earth have ever experienced. Today, Prince, Paris, and Bigi have transitioned into independent adults who have defined their own creative, philanthropic, and personal identities.
| Child | Full Legal Name | Birth Date | Mother | Current Focus & Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince | Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. | February 13, 1997 | Debbie Rowe | Philanthropy, Media Production, Business |
| Paris | Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson | April 3, 1998 | Debbie Rowe | Music (Indie/Rock), Modeling, Acting |
| Bigi | Prince Michael Jackson II | February 21, 2002 | Anonymous Surrogate | Filmmaking, Directing, Climate Advocacy |
Each sibling has embraced a distinct way of dealing with the family name, balancing public life with personal boundaries while remaining remarkably close as a trio.
Prince Jackson: Business and Philanthropy
Born Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., the eldest son is widely known as Prince Jackson. Raised at Neverland Ranch during his early childhood, Prince demonstrated an early affinity for business, behind-the-scenes entertainment production, and community work rather than taking the stage as a pop performer.
Prince attended The Buckley School in California before enrolling at Loyola Marymount University, where he graduated cum laude in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During his undergraduate years, Prince co-founded the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, modeled after his father’s historic Heal the World Foundation. The nonprofit provides inner-city youth with educational tools, healthy meal distribution, and community support programs.
Outside of charity work, Prince is an avid motorcycle enthusiast who shares his riding adventures online. In entertainment, Prince Jackson’s production career has flourished through behind-the-scenes work, including serving as an executive producer on the major biographical film Michael. In his personal life, Prince announced his engagement to his longtime partner, Molly Schirmang, in August 2025 after eight years together.
Paris Jackson: Music, Modeling, and Acting
Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, born in Los Angeles and named after the city where she was conceived, has built a vibrant career in the arts. Known for her bohemian style and striking presence, Paris signed with IMG Models after gracing the cover of Rolling Stone in 2017, and later served as the brand ambassador for KVD Beauty.
Rather than chasing chart-topping pop, Paris established an alternative, indie-folk, and rock sound. She performs solo and under the musical alias PK Dragonfly, releasing her critically acclaimed debut studio album, Wilted, followed by independent EPs.
Paris has also been transparent about her journey with mental health, recovery, and self-expression. As the goddaughter of Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor, Paris uses her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and authenticity, establishing herself as an independent artist who honors her roots while forging her own musical signature.
Bigi Jackson: The Director and Activist
The youngest sibling, Prince Michael Jackson II, entered the world in February 2002 via an anonymous surrogate. As an infant, he became the subject of intense media focus under the childhood nickname “Blanket.” In 2015, seeking an identity away from childhood bullying and tabloid fixation, he legally adopted the name Bigi.
Bigi maintains the most private lifestyle of the three siblings. Passionate about visual storytelling, cinema, and comic book lore, he is actively pursuing behind-the-camera filmmaking, screenwriting, and directing. Alongside his film ambitions, Bigi has stepped into the public eye to champion global climate change awareness, urging international leaders to protect natural resources for future generations.
Growing Up at Neverland and Beyond
The childhood of Michael Jackson’s children was unlike any other. During their earliest years, the siblings lived at the sprawling Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County, California, complete with private amusement park rides, an exotic petting zoo, and vast open grounds designed to protect them from external chaos.
Childhood and Upbringing of Michael Jackson Kids
Michael Jackson made concerted efforts to give his children a normal home life within an extraordinary environment. Because their father had worked professionally since early childhood, he wanted his own kids to experience play, imagination, and unhurried learning.
To shield them from aggressive paparazzi and allow them to explore the world without being recognized, Jackson had them wear decorative masks, veils, and whimsical costumes during public outings. Tutors and homeschool teachers managed their early schooling, ensuring they remained safe while traveling globally on international tours. Extended family guidance, including Jackie Jackson’s family guidance, provided a broader sense of family roots during their formative years.
Guardianship and Custody of Michael Jackson Kids
Following Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, the world’s attention shifted directly to the three young children. In his will, Michael had designated his mother, Katherine Jackson, as their permanent legal guardian.
During this transitional period, Katherine Jackson’s guardianship legacy provided the children with stability. In 2012, family cousin T.J. Jackson was appointed co-guardian to assist with daily responsibilities. The siblings transitioned from private homeschooling to traditional schooling at The Buckley School, giving them structured peer interactions, extracurricular activities, and graduation milestones.
Navigating Scandals, Allegations, and the Jackson Family Legacy
Growing up under a microscope meant confronting sensationalized headlines, tabloid rumors, and legal battles surrounding their late father. Despite the relentless media noise, Prince, Paris, and Bigi have presented a unified front, supported by family figures like their aunt, as detailed in our Rebbie Jackson complete guide.
The world caught its first glimpse of the children’s deep bond with their father during his July 7, 2009, public memorial at the Staples Center, where an 11-year-old Paris stepped up to the microphone to deliver an emotional tribute:
“I just wanted to say, 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.”
In 2010, Prince and Paris accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of their late father at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. As adults, the siblings have focused on stewardship and legal transparency, ensuring their father’s creative legacy and estate assets are managed with integrity while honoring the lessons he instilled in them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Jackson’s Children
Who are the biological mothers of Michael Jackson’s children?
Debbie Rowe, a dermatology nurse whom Michael Jackson married in 1996, is the biological mother of Prince Jackson and Paris Jackson. Following their divorce in 2000, Rowe signed over full custody rights to Jackson. Michael’s third child, Bigi Jackson, was born in 2002 via artificial insemination using an anonymous surrogate mother.
Why did Blanket Jackson legally change his name to Bigi?
Prince Michael Jackson II was given the childhood moniker “Blanket” by his father, but as he grew older, the name attracted unwanted teasing and bullying from peers and media outlets. In 2015, he chose the name Bigi to signify personal growth, privacy, and an authentic identity separate from tabloid labels.
Who are the godparents of Prince and Paris Jackson?
Prince and Paris Jackson share legendary Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor and actor Macaulay Culkin as their godparents. Both Taylor and Culkin were close personal friends of Michael Jackson who offered loyal support to the family over decades.
Conclusion
The story of the Jackson siblings is one of resilience, sibling solidarity, and individuality. Rather than being defined purely by their father’s unmatched celebrity status, Prince, Paris, and Bigi have grown into thoughtful adults pursuing philanthropy, music, filmmaking, and community service on their own terms.
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