Paris Jackson is the second child of the late great musician Michael Jackson and has been a public figure since she was just a toddler.

Paris’s life has been fraught with difficulty ever since her father’s death. But, the young woman is now pursuing her own musical career.

Despite the ups and downs of her life, she has finally decided to talk about growing up with her father, the “King of Pop.”

Only the most oblivious could possibly not recognize Michael Jackson.

The “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson

You know people don’t call you “The King of Pop” for no reason. Sadly, the late singer’s life wasn’t as rosy as the music he left behind.

From the time he started performing with his brothers in the Jackson Five, Michael had a difficult home life. His father was extremely controlling and quick to discipline his children.

Michael Jackson, one could argue, was a finished good, a human being whose very DNA was programmed to make him a successful performer and vocalist. This, however, does not detract from the undeniable genius of his singing, dancing, and composition.

After his untimely death in 2009, Michael Jackson was mourned all around the globe. He was followed by paparazzi and tabloid media for the majority of his life, and they didn’t stop until he was finally laid to rest.

Media helicopters trailed the helicopters taking his body from the Los Angeles hospital. Stories about Michael Jackson and his family continue to appear in publications around the world.

His children, in particular, have been the focus of paparazzi attention because of the demand for Jackson family photos.

Paris Jackson, Jackson’s second kid, has been in the public eye from an early age. She’s working hard at becoming her own person now, rather than being remembered simply as Michael Jackson’s daughter.

After years of mental illness, she is actually doing quite well.

Paris Jackson – early life
Born in California on April 3, 1998, Paris Jackson is Jackson family’s youngest child. She’s Michael Jackson’s second child and only daughter.

Image source: Youtube/abc
Her childhood was spent in seclusion, as she and her brother were both homeschooled until the sixth grade. Both Michael Jackson and his children were protective of their privacy. Earlier pictures of Michael’s kids often depict them in costume or with scarves over their eyes.

And so it was that Paris and her siblings had a rather confined existence on the Neverland Ranch. They had a lot of advantages, no one can deny that, but they must have had it rough, too.

Paris Jackson discussed her father and upbringing in an interview with supermodel Naomi Campbell that was posted on YouTube.

She claimed Michael Jackson influenced their “cultured” upbringing.

“My dad was really good about making sure we were cultured, making sure we were educated, and not just showing us like the glitz and glam, like hotel hopping, five-star places,” Paris said.

“It was also like, we saw everything. We saw third world countries. We saw every part of the spectrum.”

Recalls her early life and shares her experiences
Growing up, Paris Jackson moved around a lot as her father, Michael Jackson, performed for millions of fans around the world.

She reflects with gratitude on her “privileged” upbringing. Paris also taught early on that she shouldn’t have an entitlement mentality. Her dad drilled into his kids the importance of working for what you want.

“Even growing up it was about earning stuff,” Paris said. “If we wanted five toys from FAO Schwarz or Toys ‘R’ Us, we had to read five books.

“It’s earning it, not just being entitled to certain things or thinking ‘oh I got this’,” she added. “It’s like working for it, working hard for it, it’s something else entirely, it’s an accomplishment.”

Image source: Youtube/OWN
Paris’s father went suddenly when she was just 11 years old.

Tragic passing of Michael Jackson
The “King of Pop” went into cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009, at his residence, and he passed unexpectedly shortly after being taken to the hospital. According to Michael’s will, Paris and her brothers are legally responsible for by their grandmother, Katherine Jackson.

Paris, then 11 years old, spoke at her father’s memorial service, which was broadcast around the world.

“Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine,” she said. “And I just wanted to say I love him so much.”

Paris, together with her brothers Prince Michael (aged 12) and Prince Michael II (aged 7), watched the memorial service on television. That was the first time the public really got to see Jackson’s kids.

They re-emerged in public view in January of 2010 when they attended the Grammy Awards to accept their late father’s posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.