Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘First true Jackson’
Paris’ tribute to her grandad Joe
JOE Jackson’s grieving granddaughter Paris has hailed him as “the legend that started it all”.
She was at the controversial music manager’s bedside in his final hours.
Dad-of-11 Joe – architect of the superstar music careers of his children including Michael Jackson – died aged 89 from pancreatic cancer on Wednesday.
Paris posted a photo online of the pair holding hands and said: “Spending those last few moments with you were everything.
“Being able to tell you everything I needed to tell you before saying goodbye was such a blessing.
“You are the first true Jackson. The legend that started it all.”
The 20-year-old singer, actress and model, who is Michael’s daughter, added: “None of us would be anywhere near where we’re at if it weren’t for you. You are the strongest man I know.”
Joe ruled his children with an iron fist, often beating them in the pursuit of success.
The American would use a belt and a cane to
“whip” them and would fly into a rage if the Jackson 5 – his sons Michael, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon – made mistakes when they rehearsed routines in the 1960s.
But Paris said: “I will cherish every moment with you ’til the day I die especially our last moments. Being able to hold your hand... cuddle you, give you kisses all over your cheeks and forehead, meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”
She referred to Joe as the Hawk, the name he gave himself for his selfproclaimed ability to spot and seduce much younger women.
Joe’s daughter La Toya, 62, also paid tribute to him despite previously saying he had molested her and sister Rebbie.
Singer and actress La Toya said: “I will always love you. You gave us strength, you disciplined us in your own way, you made us one of the most famous families in the world. I am extremely appreciative of that.”
Joe died in Las Vegas almost nine years to the day since the death of Michael, 50.
The Jackson 5 sprang to fame in 1969 with smash hit I Want You Back.