Just turned 96 years old (this Monday), Katherine Jackson remains unfazed by everything happening within the most famous musical family in history. The matriarch of the Jacksons, who moves around in a wheelchair due to her advanced age, is not very keen on appearing in public events.
The passing of her son Michael in 2009 took a toll on her, leading her to stay in the background. The little that is known about her is thanks to posts on Instagram by some of her children, like La Toya (69), who always proudly expresses her love for her mother with affectionate phrases like "a kind soul that radiates love."
In recent weeks, Katherine has been seen in public more than usual due to the promotion of the biopic Michael, starring one of her grandsons,Jaafar Jackson (29), son of Jermaine (71).
In 2014, Michael Jackson's estate acquired a $11.5 million mansion in Mediterranean style, in a private community, spanning over 1,100 square meters in Calabasas, California, where Katherine resides.
Inside, there are 11 bathrooms, seven bedrooms, a theater, a library, several living rooms, a huge chef's kitchen with a pantry, and an elevator connecting the two floors. Outside, there is a garden with an oval-shaped pool and a 60 square meter guest house.
Although Michael Jackson's children - Prince (29), Paris (28), and Blanket (24) - live independently, this property was purchased with the intention that it would also be their home after the singer's passing.
From left to right: Joe Jackson (the father), with the Jackson 5, Tito, Jackie, Jackson, Marlon, Michael, and Jermaine.GTRES
Undoubtedly, the residence is a key gathering place for the vast family that Katherine created with Joe Jackson, whom she married in November 1949. Together, they had 10 children. In turn, these children have given the matriarch 27 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. The early days of the marriage in Gary, Indiana, were tough, as they all lived in a two-bedroom house. The couple had their own room, but the kids managed in another room with bunk beds, and the girls in the living room.
Things changed in 1964 when the Jackson 5 (Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael) were formed, becoming the great musical discovery of the century. Among them, as is well known, Michael stood out. After signing with Motown Records in 1968, the Jacksons' fame began to soar.
While Joe controlled his children with an iron fist, to the point of being abusive, Katherine handled her children with care. She was always the cornerstone for them, besides designing and sewing all their clothing. Mama Jackson was so important that Michael lived with her until he was almost thirty.
Katherine never lost sight of her roots. At the age of two, she contracted polio, which caused her a significant limp for life. She also aspired to pursue a career as a country singer, but that dream was impossible at the time because there were no black singers in that style.
Another one of the family matriarch's toughest moments was, once again, the loss of another child. Tito Jackson passed away in 2024 due to a heart attack.
Resilient, with great mental strength and people skills, Katherine has managed to keep the family united, making her the most revered member of the clan.