Prince Jackson reflects on dad Michael's 'cool' legacy on late star's 68th birthday
Prince Jackson, the son of Michael and his ex-wife Debbie Rowe opened up to People about his dad, who died in 2009 at the age of 50, with particular reference to the immense success of recent biopic
Prince Jackson says it’s “really cool” seeing the lasting impact his late father Michael has had on the music industry.
The 29-year-old son of Michael and his ex-wife Debbie Rowe opened up to People about his dad, who died in 2009 at the age of 50, with particular reference to the immense success of recent biopic Michael, which starred the Beat It star’s nephew Jaafar in the titular role.
Prince said: “It has been so special for me to see the impact that this film has had.
“It is really cool to see this new generation become exposed to his music and his message.”
Referring to Michael’s song Heal the World, in which he urged people to “make it a better place/for you and for me and the entire human race”, Prince added: “I am hopeful it will make the world a better place”.
Prince, who was just 12 when his dad passed away, also made a rare public appearance to mark what would have been his dad’s 68th birthday over the weekend.
Video footage showed Prince at Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE show in Las Vegas on August 29, with the clip showing him counting to three before shouting “happy birthday Michael” in unison with the audience.
Prince appeared to have integrated himself into the crowd at the show, and was seen in good spirits as he chatted and signed autographs for those at the show.
He wore a black shirt for the outing, and teamed it with a black baseball cap - which he wore backwards.
Prince recently opened up about watching Michael for the first time, and admitted it was hard seeing his real-life cousin Jaafar embody his dad so accurately.
He said: “The first time that I saw him in person, in his hair and makeup, was really an emotional shock because I had not seen my father in a long time.
“Jaafar just embodied him, and brought him back in that moment.”
