July 7, 2009

Jackson's Daughter Paris Bids Tearful Farewell to Her Daddy

By Kyle Anderson (MTV.com)

A number of moving moments marked the memorial service for Michael Jackson. These included tributes from Brooke Shields, Usher and brother Jermaine Jackson. The most touching moment of the event though came when Jackson's daughter Paris stepped up to deliver him a tearful farewell.

"Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine," the 11-year-old told the thousands of people gathered at Los Angeles' Staples Center to mourn the passing of her father. "I just want to say I love him so much." The emotion overcame her and she left the microphone to sob into her Aunt Janet's arms.

This was the first of any deliberate public statement made by Jackson's children. The late singer had always been protective of his children, fearing his public life might endanger them. They were often spotted donning masks to conceal their identities.

Paris Michael Katherine Jackson is Michael's only daughter. She is the second of two children born to him and ex-wife Debbie Rowe. In an interview with Martin Bashir, Jackson famously told the story about how when Paris was born, he immediately took her from the hospital after her birth.

Along with her brothers Prince Michael and Prince Michael II (also known as "Blanket"), Paris will most likely be in the news over the coming weeks as a custody battle for them seems to be brewing. Jackson's will names his mother as the custodian of the children, though Rowe has said she may claim that the kids rightfully belong with her.