rediff.com
News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » Movies » 'Daddy has been the best father I could imagine'
This article was first published 15 years ago

'Daddy has been the best father I could imagine'

Last updated on: July 8, 2009 

Image: Michael Jackson's children from left: Paris Jackson, Prince Michael Jackson II (also known as Blanket) and Prince Michael Jackson I stand with their aunt LaToya Jackson (far left) at a memorial service
Photographs: Garbiel Bouys/Reuters

Late King of Pop Michael Jackson's daughter Paris, made her first public statement as she paid tribute to the superstar by calling him "the best father I could imagine" at his memorial service in Los Angeles.

The emotional tribute by the 11-year-old girl, who Jackson shielded from public view during his life, capped a sombre, spiritual ceremony that celebrated the superstar's work through his life.

Text: ANI

'Greatest show on earth'

Image: Paris breaks down
Photographs: Gabriel Bouys/Reuters

Jackson, who died last month aged 50, once said that his own funeral would be the "greatest show on earth".

The memorial marked various personal messages by Jackson's famous friends, but it was his daughter, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, who had for the first time addressed almost one billion people watching around the world.

'I love him so much'

Image: Paris is embraced by her aunts, Janet Jackson (centre) and La Toya Jackson (left)
Photographs: Mark J Terrill/Reuters

'Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father I could imagine,' the Telegraph quoted Paris as saying.

Dissolving into tears and turning to lean on her aunt Janet, she added: 'I just want to say I love him so much.'

'We are the world'

Image: The Jackson siblings share a moment
Photographs: Mark J Terrill/Reuters

It was the first time the world had heard one of Jackson's children speak, as the star always tried his best to keep their appearances secret, even having them wear masks or shawls around their faces in public.

Paris, 11, sang along on stage with an all-star cast to Jackson''s songs We Are The World and Heal the world.

She then took the microphone herself, as she gazed out at the crowd and at the 15,000 pounds bronze and 14-carat gold plated coffin holding her father's body in front of the stage.

The Jackson siblings

Image: Paris Katherine holds her younger brother Prince Michael Jackson II
Photographs: Gabriel Bouys/Reuters

During the service, the little girl sat in the front row with her brothers Prince Michael, 12, and Prince Michael II, seven, who is known as Blanket.