Jackson Family Plans Private Celebration Following Funeral

MICHAEL JACKSON’s family is planning to lift mourners’ spirits with an uplifting ceremony dubbed a “Celebration of Life” following his burial on Thursday night (03Sep09).

Jackson, who passed away in June (09), will finally be laid to rest at California’s Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park at 7pm local time this evening.

His life was celebrated by family, friends and fans at a public memorial service at Los Angeles’ Staples Center in July (09), which drew millions of viewers when it was televised live around the world.

Now the Jacksons have made plans to honour the star’s memory with a more private, joyous look back at the legend’s life.

According to TMZ.com, the event is scheduled to take place at a favourite family Italian restaurant called Villa Sorriso Ristorante in Pasadena, California.

The King of Pop’s brother, Randy Jackson, reportedly made the reservation for 150 guests several days ago and “bought out the facility for the night”.