The only daughter of pop legend Michael Jackson, Paris Jackson, has officially announced her engagement! The 26-year-old shared the exciting news on Instagram, revealing that she is set to marry Justin Long, a member of the popular band “5 Seconds of Summer.” This announcement comes as a surprise to many, considering the deep emotional challenges Paris has faced in her life. From the tragic death of her father at just 11 years old to her rebellious and painful teenage years, Paris’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.
An Engagement in Budapest
Paris’s engagement was announced with a heartwarming message accompanied by a photo of her stunning engagement ring, which she received in Budapest at the renowned New York Café. In her post, Paris wrote:
“Happy birthday, my dear Blue. The years we’ve spent together have been a whirlwind that words cannot describe. We’ve been through so much, and I truly can’t imagine anyone more suited for me than you. Thank you for making me yours. I love you.” 
Although she didn’t specify the exact date of the proposal, Paris had been spotted wearing the engagement ring in September, causing speculation and excitement among her fans. This announcement also made many reflect on how far Paris has come from the grief-stricken 11-year-old girl who appeared at her father’s funeral.
The Journey from Grief to Strength
Paris Jackson’s childhood was marked by both privilege and intense media scrutiny. Born in 1998 to Michael Jackson and his second wife Debbie Rowe, Paris became an immediate public figure. Her father, despite his fame, took great care to shield his children from the press. He famously made them wear face masks to maintain their privacy and ensure they could live as normal a life as possible under the circumstances.
However, in 2009, everything changed. Paris’s world was shattered when Michael Jackson passed away suddenly. At just 11 years old, she had to cope with the unimaginable pain of losing her father. Her first public appearance was at his funeral, and it was there that the world first saw the depth of her grief. Despite her sorrow, Paris expressed in later interviews, “From the moment I was born, my dad was the best father.”
Struggles in the Spotlight
Following Michael Jackson’s death, Paris was thrust into the harsh spotlight, with paparazzi constantly following her every move. The overwhelming attention, coupled with the pain of her loss, pushed Paris into a dark period of depression. She struggled with self-harm and attempted suicide several times, each attempt fueling further media frenzy. These personal struggles became public knowledge, and Paris became the subject of intense media scrutiny.
Despite inheriting a significant fortune, Paris’s teenage years were marked by immense emotional distress. Isolated from her peers, she found solace in self-destructive behaviors like smoking, drinking, and getting tattoos. These tattoos, many of which were meant to honor her late father or cover up scars from self-harm, became a visual representation of her internal battles.
The media, however, was relentless. Paris’s rebellion and emotional struggles were magnified, and she became a tabloid sensation. Instead of receiving support, she was ridiculed for her pain. Yet, amid all of this, Paris found a way to survive and eventually heal.
Music: A Path to Healing
Despite the turmoil, Paris never lost her passion for music. Since childhood, she had been exposed to the magic of music through her father, Michael Jackson. Paris had always dreamed of following in his footsteps, and eventually, she began to channel her pain into music.
Music became Paris’s saving grace. She poured her emotions into writing songs and performing, using music as a way to process the loss of her father and the struggles she had faced. Through this process, she found a way to reclaim her voice and power.
Paris’s musical journey took a significant step forward when she met Gabriel Glenn, a musician she would go on to form the band “Soundflowers” with. The connection between them was instant, and music became the bond that held them together. They began writing and performing together, creating music that resonated with Paris’s own experiences.
A Heartbreak and a New Beginning
Before her engagement to Justin Long, Paris had experienced a deep and painful breakup with Gabriel Glenn. Reflecting on the relationship, she admitted it was the deepest love she had ever known, but also the most painful betrayal. Despite the heartbreak, Paris did not let it define her. Instead, she continued to grow and heal, refusing to let the weight of her past determine her future.
It was during this time of reflection and healing that she met Justin Long, a talented music producer and engineer from California. After working together on music for some time, the two became romantically involved. Their relationship blossomed, and after two years of being together, they got engaged.
A Tribute to Her Father’s Legacy
Although Paris’s journey has been filled with pain and loss, she has come a long way. She has found a sense of peace and purpose through music, and her engagement to Justin Long symbolizes the hope and love that she has finally embraced. Despite the challenges, Paris has proven to be a resilient young woman, one who has overcome her father’s death and the struggles that came with it.
Michael Jackson, her father, would surely be proud of the woman Paris has become. Though he is no longer with us, his love for his children and his passion for music live on through Paris, who continues to honor his legacy in her own way.
