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Ladies in Michael Jackson's Life
By Essence·Updated October 29, 2020
01
Family Bond
Whether faithful family or famous friends, the women in Michael Jackson’s circle are always right by his side. Take for instance sisters LaToya and Janet, who have been two of MJ’s biggest supporters, especially during his 2005 trial.
Sisters LaToya and Janet have always been vocal and supportive during his legal troubles.
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02
Best Friends Forever
Michael Jackson and Diana Ross’s bond is one of the most storied friendships of all time. The two had been friends since she was a Supreme and he was a Jackson 5.
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03
Sisterly Love
Maureen (aka “Rebbie), Janet and LaToya join Michael on stage as he accepts his Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal in 1984.
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04
The Thrill of It
Ola Ray’s appearance in Michael Jackson’s epic “Thriller” video introduced her to millions. We couldn’t imagine anyone else in the role.
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05
Two of a Kind
Madonna and Michael turned heads at the 63rd Annual Academy Awards. Their arrival sparked rumors of an ongoing romance between the megastars at the time.
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06
Awards & Kisses
There’s no love like family love, as Janet and Michael prove here at the 1993 Grammy Awards.
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07
Special Bond
Michael and actress Brooke Shields were longtime friends. She was on hand to see him accept the Legend Award at the 1993 Grammys.
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08
Always By His Side
Jackson is escorted by Diana Ross and Elizabeth Taylor during Liza Minnelli’s wedding in 2002. “I don’t think anyone knew how much we loved each other,” Taylor said in statement after his death. “The purest, most giving love I’ve ever known.”
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09
An Unlikely Pair
Fans were surprised when the King of Pop wed the daughter of the King of Rock-n-Roll, Lisa Marie Presley. Though the marriage was short-lived, the couple seemed happy, like here in France in 1995.
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10
Special Duet
Sheryl Crow rocks out with Jackson during the BAD Tour. “I can’t speak highly enough about what I got to witness every single night for nearly two years,” Crow told MTV News of her time as a backup singer for the King of Pop.
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11
I Betcha Remember
Michael Jackson was always trying to top himself when it came to his videos. The clip for “Remember the Time” featured a cast that included Eddie Murphy, Magic Johnson and the gorgeous Iman, who helped take the video to the next level.
12
Model Behavior
Naomi Campbell and the star get close during his video for “Keep It in the Closet.”
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13
Sweet Friend of Mine
Jackson and longtime close friend Liza Minnelli share camera time at her 2002 wedding. “He was also one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived, Minnelli told ET Onine of the icon who was a member of her wedding party. “I loved him very much and I will miss him every remaining day of my life.”
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14
Never Can Say Goodbye
LaToya, daughter Paris and mother Katherine say their last goodbyes to their brother, father and son, respectively. Michael always talked about how close he was to his ma Katherine.
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15
We Love You, Michael
We held back tears as Janet gave a heartfelt speech about the loss of her brother at last month’s BET Awards. “To you, Michael is an icon,” she said to the crowd of inspired artists and fans. “To us, Michael is family and he will forever live in our hearts.”
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16
Tears for My Father
There wasn’t a dry eye in the building when Paris Katherine took to the stage to say a few words about her dad at the memorial service. “He was the best father ever,” she said.
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