Paris Jackson has been a superstar her entire life despite being only 24 years oldand the second child of the iconic musician Michael Jackson.
Paris Jackson, the only daughter of pop icon Michael Jackson, has broken her long-held silence and finally opened up about her unique and often difficult childhood. At just 24 years old, Paris Jackson has already experienced a life more complicated than most, growing up under the spotlight and coping with the immense legacy of being the daughter of the legendary “King of Pop.”
Born on April 3, 1998, in California, Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson is the second child and only daughter of Michael Jackson. Despite being born into one of the most famous families on the planet, Paris and her siblings were shielded from the media by their father, who took great care in preserving their privacy during his lifetime. Whether through masks, scarves, or elaborate costumes, Michael Jackson ensured his children’s faces remained hidden from the prying lenses of the paparazzi.
However, in recent years, Paris Jackson has chosen to step into the spotlight on her own terms. After nearly two decades of relative silence, she is now sharing intimate details about her life with her father, her struggles with mental health, and her journey to becoming her own person.
Growing Up Jackson: A Childhood of Luxury and Isolation
Life at Neverland Ranch was a dream for many, but for Paris Jackson, it came with its own set of challenges. While she was afforded every luxury imaginable, her upbringing was far from conventional. Homeschooled until the sixth grade, Paris spent much of her early life surrounded only by adults and her siblings, Prince Michael and Blanket (now known as Bigi).
In an interview with supermodel Naomi Campbell, Paris Jackson described how her father worked hard to ensure they were not only well-educated but also well-rounded.
“My dad was really good about making sure we were cultured,” Paris said. “We saw everything. We saw third-world countries. We saw every part of the spectrum. It wasn’t just glitz and glam.”
Despite their privileged background, Michael Jackson instilled a strong work ethic in his children. If Paris wanted toys from stores like FAO Schwarz or Toys “R” Us, she had to earn them—by reading books.
“It’s about earning it,” she added. “It’s something else entirely. It’s an accomplishment.”
Losing Michael Jackson: A Public and Personal Tragedy
When Michael Jackson died from cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009, the world was devastated. Paris, only 11 at the time, lost her father, protector, and the center of her universe. During the emotional memorial service, young Paris stood before the world and tearfully declared:
“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.”
After her father’s death, Paris and her brothers were placed under the guardianship of their grandmother, Katherine Jackson. They moved to Calabasas, California, to live in a mansion with other family members. As she got older, Paris moved into Michael Jackson’s private studio, transforming it into her own personal living space.
Teenage Struggles: Mental Health, Bullying, and Growth
Paris Jackson’s teenage years were fraught with difficulties. When she entered private school in seventh grade, she found herself struggling to fit in. She gravitated toward older students and began experimenting with behaviors far beyond her years.
“I was doing a lot of things that 13-, 14-, 15-year-olds shouldn’t do,” she admitted in a Rolling Stone interview. “I tried to grow up too fast.”
As social media exploded, so did the bullying. Paris became a target online, facing brutal comments and judgment from strangers.
“Freedom of speech is great, but I don’t think the Founding Fathers predicted social media,” she said.
Eventually, after a traumatic event, Paris attempted to take her own life—a harrowing moment that would ultimately mark a turning point. She enrolled in a therapeutic boarding school in Utah, which she says saved her life.
“I’m a completely different person,” she said. “I was dealing with depression and anxiety without any help. But now I’m healing.”
Building Her Own Legacy: Modeling, Music, and Identity
After graduating high school a year early in 2015, Paris Jackson began exploring her passions. She entered the modeling industry and quickly rose to prominence, gracing the covers of prestigious magazines like Rolling Stone, Vogue, and Narcisse.
“Modeling helps me forget my self-esteem issues,” she explained. “In that moment, I feel beautiful.”
Following in her father’s footsteps, Paris also ventured into music. In 2020, she released her debut album, Wilted, an indie-folk record that reflects her personal experiences with heartbreak and emotional growth.
“It’s a story of love and loss,” she told Paper Magazine. “It’s not what people might expect from Michael Jackson’s daughter, but it’s me.”
Paris has also paid tribute to her father through body art, with over 50 tattoos, nine of which are dedicated to Michael Jackson.
“I feel him with me all the time,” she said. “Time doesn’t heal. You learn to live with it.”
Becoming Paris: Stepping Out of Michael Jackson’s Shadow
Paris Jackson continues to forge her own identity in a world that often sees her only as Michael Jackson’s daughter. She has made it clear that she is determined to earn her place in the entertainment world without relying solely on her last name.
“I’m a full believer that I should earn my success,” she told Naomi Campbell. “Nothing should just be handed to me.”
Her outlook on life reflects a maturity beyond her years—born not just from fame, but from adversity. For someone raised in a bubble of protection and privilege, Paris Jackson has emerged as a grounded, self-aware, and resilient woman.
She’s also been candid about the challenges of facing the real world.
“Once I was introduced to reality, it was shocking,” she said. “It was sexist, misogynist, racist, and cruel. It still is. But I’m stronger now.”
Final Thoughts
Paris Jackson’s journey has been anything but ordinary. From the protected walls of Neverland Ranch to the harsh glare of the public eye, her path has been filled with heartbreak, struggle, and ultimately, growth. Her story resonates with millions—not just because of who her father was, but because of who she is becoming.
If there’s one thing that stands out about Paris, it’s her courage. She continues to live her life openly, pursuing her dreams in modeling, music, and advocacy, all while carrying the legacy of the most famous musician of the modern era.
She’s not just Michael Jackson’s daughter anymore. She’s Paris Jackson. And she’s here to stay.
