Paris Jackson opens up about her final moments with grandfather Joe Jackson

On June 27, Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson passed away at the age of 89 following a battle with cancer. Father of pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, he also managed The Jackson 5, which was a singing group including son Michael, as well as four of his other sons, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon. The group rose to prominence in the 1960s and ’70s and launched the career of Michael Jackson, who would go on to be crowned the unofficial “King of Pop.”

Michael Jackson preceded his father in death in 2009 due to a fatal overdose of a combination of prescription drugs. Now, the daughter he left behind, Paris Jackson, has taken to Instagram to pay tribute to her late grandfather:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkjBW4Zn60a/?utm_source=ig_embed

Alongside a photo of her hand intertwined with her grandfather’s, she described her gratitude for being able to spend his final moments with him. “Spending those last few moments with you were everything,” she wrote. “Being able to tell you everything I needed to tell you before saying goodbye was such a blessing. Everyone that came to visit you came with love, respect, and so much pride in their hearts for you. Proud of you, proud to be your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, proud to have your strength and share the dynasty you spent your life creating, and proud to be a Jackson.”

Paris went on to promise that her grandfather’s legacy would not soon be forgotten, writing, “My great grandchildren will know who Joseph Jackson is. I love you Grandpa.”

Other members of the Jackson family have also publicly mourned their loss, including Paris’ brother, Prince, who shared this photo of himself alongside his grandfather and wrote, “This man is and always will be an example of sheer willpower and dedication”:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkifik3Ap_T/?taken-by=princejackson

We send our deepest sympathies to the entire Jackson family during this difficult time.