Paris Jackson shares insights into her career and reflects on her father, Michael Jackson.
«Since the moment I was born, my dad was the best father anyone could ever dream of. I just want to say that I love him so much.»
These were the heartfelt words Paris Jackson, then 11, spoke at her father’s funeral—the man who meant everything to her.
Losing a father at such a young age is a profound heartbreak, and for Paris and her siblings, it thrust them into the public eye.
In an instant, every magazine wanted to see Michael Jackson through their eyes, subjecting the family to relentless media attention. While Michael had fiercely protected their privacy, they were now constantly under the spotlight.
After his passing, Paris and her brothers were placed under the legal guardianship of their grandmother, Katherine Jackson.
Paris lived with her until she turned 19, at which point she moved into her father’s private studio at the family compound, which she transformed into a cozy, dorm-style bedroom.
Now 23, Paris recently opened up in a candid YouTube interview with supermodel Naomi Campbell. During the conversation, Paris discussed her career in modeling, her upcoming album, and her childhood.
She released her debut indie-folk album, *Wilted*, which she described as a reflection on love and heartbreak.
“It’s mostly about the emotions that follow when things don’t work out,” Paris explained to *Paper*, adding that her father’s music continues to inspire her. Clearly, she inherited his musical gift.
Paris spoke fondly of her father’s efforts to ensure they were well-rounded and cultured. “He made sure we were educated—not just about the glamour, but also the reality.
We saw everything—third-world countries, the full spectrum,” she recalled. Despite being the King of Pop and living a life of luxury, Michael didn’t want his children to grow up entitled.
Instead, they were taught the value of hard work from an early age. “We had to earn what we wanted,” Paris shared.
“If we wanted five toys, we had to read five books first.” It was about earning things, not just expecting them to be handed over. “Working for it—that’s the real reward.”
In a 2010 interview, Paris reflected on her childhood at Neverland, sharing her fond memories of her father.
“He was the best cook ever. He made the best French toast,” she remembered, emphasizing that, despite his fame, Michael was just a “normal dad.”
However, her teenage years were challenging. By seventh grade, Paris attended private school and began spending time with older friends, which led to behavior that was difficult for her to navigate.
«I was doing things that a 13- or 14-year-old shouldn’t do,» she confessed to *Rolling Stone*. «I tried to grow up too quickly, and I wasn’t the nicest person.»
Today, Paris is a successful model and musician, following in her father’s footsteps. In 2015, she graduated from high school and embarked on her career, which has already seen her grace the covers of top magazines.
Still, her journey hasn’t been without struggles. Paris opened up about her long-standing issues with self-esteem. “I’ve had self-esteem issues for a really long time,» she told *Rolling Stone*.
“Some people think I’m ugly, others don’t. But when I’m modeling, I focus on what the photographer’s telling me, and in those moments, I forget about my insecurities and feel beautiful.»
Despite the passing years, Paris continues to miss her father every day. Many of her tattoos are tributes to him, and she often feels his presence.
“I live with the mentality that I lost the one thing that ever mattered to me,” she said. “So anything bad that happens now doesn’t feel nearly as bad. I can handle it.”
We’re incredibly proud of Paris and the strength she’s shown in the face of unimaginable loss.
