Michael Jackson’s daughter tells memorial she loves her father

Jackson daughter speaks at memorial

LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson protected his children from the press, but the three youngsters appeared on a world stage Tuesday to honor their father at his public memorial service.

Daughter Paris-Michael addressed the crowd, making an emotional statement to an audience of thousands at the Staples Center and millions more around the globe who watched the service on TV.

“Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine,” the 11-year-old said, sobbing. “And I just wanted to say I love him so much.”

It was a rare public moment for Paris-Michael and her brothers, 12-year-old Michael Joseph Jr., known as Prince Michael, and 7-year-old Prince Michael II, known as Blanket.

Jackson famously shielded his children from the media, covering their faces with veils or masks. But all three children appeared on stage as the memorial service came to a close.

The two boys each wore the same dark suit and yellow tie as the rest of the men in the Jackson family. Prince chewed gum and toted the memorial service program on stage. Blanket held his program and clutched a Michael Jackson doll. Paris-Michael wore a black dress with white trim and carried a small patent-leather purse.

The children comforted one another on stage as members of the arena crowd did the same in their seats.