Original Air Date:
Monday, November 8, 2010
Guests:
Oprah spoke to Michael Jackson's parents, Katherine and Joe Jackson, as well as his children, Prince, Paris and Blanket.
Show Summary:
Christmas Day of this year will mark the 18 month anniversary of Michael Jackson's passing, and his family and fans and still grieving the loss and learning how to be in a world that doesn't have him in it. Oprah sat down with Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson's mother, for an exclusive interview on this episode of The Oprah Show to see how she is doing, how the children are moving forward and adjusting to living in the Jackson's family home, Havenhurst Estate, and what the family misses most about Michael and their father.
Special Highlights:
This episode featured the following highlights:
- Katherine and Joe Jackson have been married for 40 years and had 9 children together when their life changed as the Jackson 5 became stars. The family moved to Encino, California to the home they call Havenhurst where Michael Jackson's children are living today.
- Katherine Jackson had difficulty talking about losing her son and reminiscing about his childhood, insecurities, and remembering when she found out he had died, and coming to terms with the fact that she doesn't feel that she will ever be healed.
- Michael Jackson's children and his parents weren't close before his death, but since they've moved in they have bonded with their extended family, started attending regular school, and enjoy learning about the entertainment industry with their cousins.
What to Take Away from the Show:
Michael Jackson's passing came as a shock to the world and many of his fans have wondered about his children and how they are coping now that they are being raised by their grandparents in the family home. While the grief of losing their son and father was evident in the interview, what came across the most was their happy memories with him and the love that they still have for him while they move forward with their lives. Katherine Jackson's book Never Can Say Goodbye is a collection of memories from a mother for fans and a look inside the life of Michael Jackson and the gift that he was to the world.