Paris Jackson pulls back the curtain on how her upbringing with dad Michael at Neverland shaped her life today


The "Let Down" singer grew up at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch with brothers Prince and Bigi


Split image of Paris Jackson and her father Michael Jackson© Getty
Hanna Fillingham
Hanna FillinghamUS Managing Editor
4 minutes ago
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Paris Jackson has shared an incredible insight into her childhood with dad Michael Jackson and her brothers, Prince and Bigi. 

The singer and model appeared on Jack Osbourne's podcast, Trying Not to Die, on Tuesday May 26, and the pair bonded over their shared experiences growing up with famous fathers. 

Paris told Jack that while she was aware of her childhood privilege, her dad ensured she and her brothers knew the value of hard work from a young age. 

photo of paris jackson in red dress© Getty Images
Paris Jackson has opened up about her upbringing with dad Michael

She explained: "There was a lot about my upbringing that was silver spoon-esque, but there was so much of it that had to be earned. Like there was very much a focus on developing a work ethic." 

The star continued to explain that this has shaped her own approach to working. "And so I did see something recently where it's like, 'You don't have to work,' and it's like no, I do. I really do. Because I'm like a shark. If I stop moving, I'll die. It makes me happy to move and work and be productive." 

Paris with her siblings Prince and Bigi © Getty Images
Paris with her siblings Prince and Bigi

During the chat, Paris and Jack also agreed that they found it strange when asked what it was like to have a famous father, since they didn't know any different. 

"I think that's the silliest question in the world," Paris said. 

Michael Jackson's children (2L-R) Paris Jackson, Prince 'Blanket'  Jackson II and Prince Michael Jackson stand on stage at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 © Pool
Paris at her dad's memorial service

Paris was just 11 years old when her beloved dad died. The then pre-teen emotionally stood on the stage with her family at Michael's memorial service in July 2009, just 12 days after his death. She unexpectedly took the microphone at the end of the service, telling the crowd: "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much." 

prince paris bigi jackson young© Getty Images
Paris has a close bond with her brothers

She previously opened up about her relationship with her father in an interview with Rolling Stone, telling the publication: "He is my father. He will always be my father. He never wasn't, and he never will not be." She added: "They always say, 'Time heals,' but it really doesn't. You just get used to it. I live life with the mentality of 'OK, I lost the only thing that has ever been important to me.' So going forward, anything bad that happens can't be nearly as bad as what happened before. So I can handle it."

She added the hitmaker often visits her in her dreams: "I feel him with me all the time." In more recent years, Paris has stopped discussing her dad in the spotlight. 

Paris Jackson attends the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards 2026 © Getty Images
Paris doesn't feel the need to talk about her dad in public anymore

Most recently, she told Jack: "There's definitely a certain element where I felt I had to share everything. And that has drastically changed in the last few years, because I don't really feel like any of us owe anyone anything." 

She added: "I'm now learning I can have my own personal relationship and I'm allowed to be private about it and I'm now like, my relationship is the most beautiful relationship ever."

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