From a grieving young girl at her father’s funeral to a confident artist and model, Paris Jackson has navigated a life in the spotlight with remarkable grace. At just 11 years old, she stood before the world and paid a heartfelt tribute to her father, Michael Jackson, showcasing a strength that would come to define her. Overnight, she and her brothers were thrust into a media frenzy, their private world shattered and made public. In the years following the immense loss, Paris found stability living with her grandmother, Katherine Jackson, until she was old enough to create her own space in her father’s former studio, transforming it into a personal haven.
Now a successful artist in her own right, Paris recently sat down for a revealing conversation about her life and career. Her debut album, ‘Wilted,’ is an indie-folk exploration of heartbreak and love, a project that subtly echoes her father’s profound musical influence while showcasing her own raw talent. She credits her unique upbringing for her grounded perspective, explaining that her father made a conscious effort to ensure his children were cultured and educated about the real world, not just insulated by luxury. They traveled extensively, experiencing all parts of the global spectrum, from great wealth to third-world countries.
Michael Jackson, despite his unparalleled fame, was determined his children would not feel entitled. Paris recalls a childhood rule where if she and her brothers wanted a new toy, they had to earn it by reading books, instilling a strong work ethic from an early age. She fondly remembers him as a regular dad who made incredible French toast at their Neverland home. However, her teenage years brought challenges, as she admits to trying to grow up too quickly and making choices unsuitable for her age. Today, she has emerged from those struggles as a poised and accomplished individual. Alongside her music career, she has found success in modeling, using the creative process to quiet her personal struggles with self-esteem. Though she feels her father’s absence every day, she lives with the resilience he inspired, knowing she can handle any challenge that comes her way.
