Who Is Prince Jackson? All About the Life of Michael Jackson’s Son

Prince Jackson, born Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. on February 13, 1997, is the eldest son of legendary pop icon Michael Jackson. Known for his philanthropic work, business ventures, and quiet strength, Prince has built a meaningful life of his own while honoring his father’s extraordinary legacy with grace and purpose.

Introduction

There are very few names in the world that carry the same weight as Jackson. When you hear it, you think of music, of moonwalks, of a man who changed the world one song at a time. Michael Jackson left behind a musical legacy that continues to inspire billions. But he also left behind something more personal — three children who carry his name, his values, and a piece of his heart.

Prince Jackson is the eldest of those three children. He is a young man who grew up in one of the most unusual childhoods imaginable, shielded from public eyes yet surrounded by the greatest entertainment legacy of the modern era. And instead of chasing fame, he chose a quieter, more deliberate path — one defined by education, giving back, and genuine human connection.

This is his story.

Early Life and Family Background

Prince Jackson entered the world on February 13, 1997, in Los Angeles, California. His full birth name is Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., a name that carries enormous meaning. His father, of course, was Michael Jackson — the King of Pop, one of the most celebrated entertainers in human history. His mother is Deborah Rowe, a nurse who worked alongside Michael’s dermatologist and who later married the superstar in 1996.

From his very first days, Prince’s life was different from what most children experience. He grew up at Neverland Ranch, the sprawling Santa Barbara estate that his father had transformed into a world of its own — complete with amusement rides, animals, and a sense of magic that Michael Jackson loved to share with children. It was a home filled with love, creativity, and a deep sense of wonder.

After Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, Prince was just twelve years old. His world changed instantly and permanently. He moved to live with his paternal grandmother, Katherine Jackson, along with his younger sister Paris and brother Bigi. Under her loving care, the children found stability during one of the most painful periods of their young lives.

Despite the very public nature of their grief, the three siblings stayed close to each other and to their extended family. Prince, even as the eldest, leaned on those around him. Over time, he grew into a thoughtful, composed young man who understood both the privilege and the responsibility that came with his family name.

Education and Academic Journey

One of the most telling things about Prince Jackson is what he did after high school. Rather than step straight into the entertainment world or lean on his famous name to open doors, he enrolled in college and earned his degree the traditional way.

Prince attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where he studied business administration. In 2019, he graduated with honors — a milestone that his grandmother Katherine Jackson, his aunt LaToya Jackson, and several cousins attended to celebrate with him. He shared the moment proudly on social media, and the image of him surrounded by family spoke volumes about who he had become.

His academic journey reflects a young man who was not willing to let his last name substitute for hard work. He wanted to understand how businesses operate, how organizations can be structured for impact, and how he could use that knowledge to make a real difference. That education has since shaped both his philanthropic work and his entrepreneurial ventures.

Physical Appearance and Personality

Prince Jackson stands tall and carries himself with quiet confidence. He has a warm, friendly demeanor that people who have met him often describe as surprisingly down-to-earth for someone with his background. He is not someone who arrives in a room demanding attention. He listens carefully, speaks thoughtfully, and smiles easily.

Those who have interviewed him over the years consistently use the same kind of words to describe him — grounded, well-rounded, positive, and kind. In a 2023 appearance on Good Morning Britain, viewers were struck by how genuine and calm he seemed. He spoke about his father’s legacy with deep emotion and honest reflection, saying that even now he was still discovering the full scope of what Michael Jackson meant to the world.

He is known to enjoy sports, particularly American football, and maintains an active lifestyle. He does not display the kind of performative celebrity behavior that many people in his position might feel pressure to adopt. Instead, he comes across as someone who has genuinely thought about who he wants to be, separate from who his father was.

Parents

Father

Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana. He was the eighth of ten children born to Joe and Katherine Jackson, and he became one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever seen. From his early days as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 to his solo dominance with albums like Thriller — still the best-selling album in music history — Michael Jackson reshaped pop culture in ways that are still felt today.

As a father, Michael was devoted. He has spoken in many interviews about how much his children meant to him, calling them his greatest joy. He raised Prince, Paris, and Bigi largely on his own, preferring to be the hands-on parent rather than relying on nannies or household staff to do the work of caring for his kids. He encouraged their creativity, read to them, and instilled values of compassion and generosity that are clearly visible in how all three of his children have approached their adult lives.

Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol intoxication. He was fifty years old. His death sent shockwaves across the globe. Millions mourned. His memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles drew an estimated 2.5 to 3 billion viewers worldwide, making it one of the most-watched events in television history.

Mother

Deborah “Debbie” Rowe is a woman who has, for the most part, chosen to live away from the spotlight that her connection to Michael Jackson might have otherwise created. Born and raised in America, she worked as a nurse for Michael’s dermatologist and developed a close friendship with the singer over the years. The two married in November 1996.

Together, Debbie and Michael welcomed Prince in 1997 and Paris in 1998. Following their divorce in 1999, Debbie initially waived her parental rights, and Michael raised the children on his own. Their custody arrangement changed over time, and after Michael’s death, Debbie maintained a relationship with her children, particularly Paris, with whom she became closer in the years that followed.

Debbie Rowe has remained a largely private figure. She has occasionally spoken to media about her relationship with her children, and she has been described as a supportive presence in their lives in recent years.

Siblings and Extended Family

Prince is the eldest of three siblings. His sister Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson was born on April 3, 1998, just over a year after him. Paris has forged her own identity as a model and musician, signing with IMG Models in 2017 and releasing her debut album, Wilted, in 2020. She is perhaps the most publicly visible of the three siblings, known for her candid social media presence and her advocacy for mental health awareness.

The youngest sibling is Bigi Jackson, born on February 21, 2002. For many years he was known publicly as Blanket, a nickname his father gave him. In 2015, he adopted the name Bigi. Bigi is the most private of the three children and has made very selective public appearances over the years. He recently demonstrated a creative side of his own, winning recognition for a short film he directed titled Rochelles in 2024.

Beyond his immediate siblings, Prince has a large extended family through the legendary Jackson dynasty. His aunts and uncles include Janet Jackson, LaToya Jackson, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, and Rebbie Jackson. The Jackson family remains one of the most famous musical families in history, and Prince grew up surrounded by this rich and impressive lineage.

Career and Professional Life

Prince Jackson’s professional path has been shaped by two things: a genuine curiosity about how to create positive impact, and a respectful nod to his father’s belief in the power of giving back.

He made a brief foray into entertainment in 2013, working as a guest correspondent for the television program Entertainment Tonight. That same year, he made a small cameo appearance on the final episode of the teen drama 90210. However, it quickly became clear to him that the entertainment industry was not his calling. He has spoken openly about this, saying that he simply did not inherit that particular gene from his father.

What he did inherit was the desire to help others. In 2016, Prince co-founded the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, an organization directly inspired by his father’s own Heal the World Foundation. The Heal Los Angeles Foundation focuses on combating child hunger, homelessness, and abuse in the Los Angeles area. His aunt LaToya Jackson is among its high-profile ambassadors, and the organization has grown steadily since its founding.

He also established King’s Son Productions, a media production company that he launched with the aim of creating content with meaning and purpose. The company has been involved in several music video productions, including work tied to his sister Paris’s musical projects.

More recently, Prince has been active in supporting the memory and legacy of his father in thoughtful ways. When the Michael Jackson biopic was being developed — a biographical film starring his cousin Jaafar Jackson as Michael — Prince was vocal in his support and excitement. He shared his feelings publicly, noting that watching Jaafar perform was the closest he had ever come to watching his own father on stage.

Personal Life and Privacy

Prince Jackson has always been careful about how much of his personal life he shares with the world. He uses social media with intention rather than constantly, and his posts reflect a person who values authenticity over audience numbers.

His relationship with Molly Schirmang became public knowledge over time, and in April 2025, he announced their engagement on Instagram after eight years of dating together. The announcement was warm and heartfelt, and it marked a genuinely joyful milestone for him personally. The couple has kept the details of their relationship largely private, which seems very much in keeping with who Prince is as a person.

He has spoken in interviews about the challenges of growing up in a famous family and the work it takes to build an identity that feels entirely your own. He has expressed gratitude for his upbringing, for the lessons his father taught him, and for the strong foundation that his grandmother Katherine helped provide after Michael’s death.

Media Presence and Public Perception

Prince Jackson appears in public selectively, but when he does, he tends to leave a strong impression. His 2023 appearance on Good Morning Britain was widely praised. Viewers and commentators noted that he came across as genuine, warm, and emotionally intelligent — qualities that felt earned rather than performed.

He has attended various events honoring his father’s legacy, including the London premiere of the Broadway musical MJ: The Musical in March 2024, where all three siblings appeared together — a rare joint public moment that many fans found deeply moving. He and his brother Bigi also attended the global fan premiere of the 2026 Michael biopic, both wearing armbands as a tribute to one of their father’s signature accessories.

His public perception is overwhelmingly positive. People see in Prince a young man who has handled an extraordinary upbringing with grace. He is not someone who courts controversy or seeks attention for its own sake. This restraint, in a media culture that often rewards the opposite, is something many people genuinely respect.

Net Worth and Lifestyle

Prince Jackson’s estimated net worth as of 2025 stands at approximately $150 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This wealth primarily comes from his inheritance tied to the Michael Jackson estate, which his father’s will divided so that 40 percent went to Katherine Jackson, 20 percent to children’s charities, and 40 percent equally among his three children.

The Michael Jackson estate has been remarkably productive since the singer’s passing. By 2025, it had grown to an estimated value of $2 billion, supported by ongoing music royalties, theatrical productions like MJ: The Musical, and various licensing agreements. Prince holds a 13 percent stake in this estate, and court documents from a 2025 legal proceeding suggested that the children had each received benefits of approximately $65 million from their respective shares by that point.

Prince’s lifestyle is described by those close to him as comfortable but not extravagant. He is known to be engaged with his community, interested in the causes he supports, and focused on building something meaningful with his time and resources. His business degree from Loyola Marymount University has given him the tools to make thoughtful financial decisions, and his investments suggest a long-term mindset rather than short-term indulgence.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Prince Jackson appears to be entering a new and exciting chapter. His engagement to Molly Schirmang brings personal joy and a sense of forward momentum. His philanthropic work through the Heal Los Angeles Foundation continues to grow, with plans to expand mentorship programs and scholarship opportunities for underprivileged young people.

There is also the ongoing management of his father’s estate and legacy, a responsibility that Prince takes seriously. As the eldest child, he has been vocal in supporting projects that he believes genuinely honor who Michael Jackson was. The biopic, his public appearances at tribute events, and his consistent willingness to speak warmly about his father all point to a young man who understands that legacy is not just inherited — it is also actively tended.

In the coming years, it would be surprising if Prince did not continue to deepen his philanthropic reach and perhaps explore new areas of business or media. He has the education, the resources, and the motivation to make a genuine difference.

Legacy and Influence of Family

The Jackson family legacy is one of the most remarkable in entertainment history. Michael Jackson’s influence on music, dance, fashion, and global popular culture cannot be overstated. His children carry that legacy forward not by trying to replicate his genius, but by embodying the values he stood for — creativity, compassion, and a belief in the power of human connection.

Prince Jackson, as the eldest child, stands at the front of that next generation. He represents what it looks like to grow up in extraordinary circumstances and choose humility over entitlement, purpose over performance, and substance over spectacle. His grandmother Katherine Jackson’s steady influence, his father’s deeply loving parenting, and his own quiet determination have all combined to shape someone who makes the Jackson name mean something new and just as honorable.

Conclusion

Prince Jackson is not the King of Pop. He never tried to be. What he is, instead, is something that perhaps comes even harder for someone in his position — a genuinely good person who has made thoughtful choices, earned his education, built an organization that helps real people, and fallen in love in a quiet and lasting way.

Michael Jackson once told the world that his children meant everything to him. Looking at how Prince has grown and the life he is building, it is clear that those words were not just sentiment. They were a foundation. And Prince Jackson, at twenty-eight years old, is building something lasting on top of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Prince Jackson?

Prince Jackson, whose full name is Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., is the eldest son of legendary pop icon Michael Jackson and his former wife Debbie Rowe. He was born on February 13, 1997, in Los Angeles, California, and is known today for his philanthropic work and quiet dedication to honoring his father’s legacy.

How old is Prince Jackson in 2025?

Prince Jackson is 28 years old as of 2025. He was born on February 13, 1997.

What does Prince Jackson do for work?

Prince Jackson is primarily known as a philanthropist and entrepreneur. He co-founded the Heal Los Angeles Foundation in 2016, which focuses on combating child hunger, homelessness, and abuse. He also founded King’s Son Productions, a media production company, and holds a business administration degree from Loyola Marymount University.

Is Prince Jackson engaged?

Yes. Prince Jackson announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend Molly Schirmang in April 2025, after the couple had been together for eight years.

What is Prince Jackson’s net worth?

As of 2025, Prince Jackson’s net worth is estimated at approximately $150 million. Much of this wealth comes from his 13 percent share in the Michael Jackson estate, which has been valued at approximately $2 billion.

Who are Prince Jackson’s siblings?

Prince Jackson has two siblings — his sister Paris Jackson, born on April 3, 1998, who is a model and musician, and his brother Bigi Jackson (formerly known as Blanket), born on February 21, 2002, who is interested in filmmaking and keeps a very private lifestyle.

Did Prince Jackson follow his father into the entertainment industry?

Briefly. In 2013, Prince worked as a guest correspondent on Entertainment Tonight and made a cameo on the television show 90210. He later stepped back from entertainment, saying that performing was not his calling. He has since focused on philanthropy and business instead.

Who raised Prince Jackson after Michael Jackson’s death?

After Michael Jackson’s passing in 2009, Prince Jackson and his siblings went to live with their paternal grandmother, Katherine Jackson, in Calabasas, California. She played a central role in their upbringing and was present for many of their most important milestones, including Prince’s university graduation in 2019.