More than a decade after his legendary father’s passing, Prince Jackson has truly stepped into his own! From leading a powerful charity to championing his siblings and even announcing his engagement, his dedication to family is inspiring. What do you admire most about how he’s honoring Michael Jackson’s legacy?
More than a decade and a half after the untimely passing of the legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson, his eldest son, Prince Jackson, has emerged as a steadfast pillar for his family, dedicating his life to preserving their unity and honoring his father’s profound legacy. At just twelve years old when tragedy struck in June 2009, Prince has navigated a path marked by both personal challenge and profound commitment, striving to uphold the values and dreams Michael instilled, all while forging his own identity and making significant contributions to society.
Central to Prince Jackson’s mission is his impactful philanthropic work, notably through the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, an organization he established to combat pressing issues like child hunger, homelessness, and abuse within the Los Angeles community. This initiative directly echoes his father’s deeply held humanitarian ideals, demonstrating Prince’s active role in translating Michael Jackson’s vision of a better world into tangible action, providing vital support and opportunities for young people in need.
Despite the passage of time, Michael Jackson’s presence remains a powerful force in Prince’s life, a sentiment he openly shared in 2022 by reflecting on the sensory memories he cherishes most. He spoke poignantly about missing his father’s “really strong, really big hands,” describing them as both firm and gentle, a complex sensation that speaks volumes about their bond. Prince candidly acknowledged the “complexities in life” that parents typically teach their children, admitting to moments of confusion without his father’s direct guidance and the immense pressure of upholding such a monumental Michael Jackson legacy.
While his connection with his father remains profound, Prince Jackson’s relationship with his biological mother, Debbie Rowe, has always been distinct. Debbie, who married Michael in 1996, chose to distance herself from a traditional maternal role, famously stating in 2003 that her children don’t call her “mom” because she had them primarily for Michael to experience fatherhood. This unique dynamic meant Prince and his sister, Paris Jackson, were largely raised on Neverland Ranch, experiencing a sheltered upbringing away from public scrutiny, with their primary familial bonds forged within Michael’s immediate orbit.
A cornerstone of Prince’s emotional support system is his unwavering bond with his siblings, Paris, 27, and Bigi (formerly Blanket), 23. This trio, who collectively faced the profound loss of their father, have developed a deep, egalitarian relationship where each member’s strengths complement the others. Prince emphasizes that there is no hierarchy among them, valuing every shared moment, from family dinners to outings, as especially precious. Bigi often joins Prince on their YouTube show, and their extended family members occasionally participate, reinforcing their tight-knit Jackson family unit.
Prince’s steadfast support extends to his sister Paris Jackson, who recently celebrated five years of sobriety from drugs and alcohol, a journey she openly shared on Instagram in January 2025. This significant milestone underscores the deep personal challenges the celebrity children of Michael Jackson have faced, and highlights the crucial role Prince played in her recovery, standing by her through difficult times. Paris’s candid revelation showcases the strength and resilience of the siblings’ bond, demonstrating their commitment to supporting each other through life’s most profound struggles.
Beyond his immediate siblings, Prince Jackson maintains strong ties with his extended family, particularly his grandmother, Katherine Jackson, and his cousin, TJ Jackson, who served as his co-guardian after Michael’s passing. Following the recent death of his uncle, Tito Jackson, in September 2024, Prince publicly shared his grief, reflecting the profound love within the Jackson family. He also actively champions his cousin Jaafar Jackson, who is set to star as Michael in an upcoming biopic. Prince expressed immense pride and confidence in Jaafar, believing he embodies much of his father and will provide the world with a new, authentic perspective on Michael Jackson’s life.
In a significant personal development, Prince happily expanded his own family sphere in August with the announcement of his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Molly Schirmang, whom he first met in 2017. Sharing the joyous news on social media, Prince celebrated their eight years together, filled with shared travel, academic achievements, and immense personal growth. This impending union marks a new chapter, highlighting his journey from a young boy navigating profound loss to a dedicated individual building his own future, all while cherishing the enduring family dynamics he holds so dear.
