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Home • News

Michael Jackson Memorial Service

Michael Jackson Memorial Service
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
01
I Love You, Daddy

The Jackson family consoles Paris Katherine Jackson, Michael’s daughter, at the service for her father at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles on July 7.

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02
We Stand Together

Paris Jackson, Prince Michael Jackson I and Prince Michael Jackson II appear onstage during their father’s memorial service.

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03
I Am Here For you

Aunt Janet Jackson comforts niece Paris Katherine Jackson at the memorial service.

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04
An Uncle’s Love

Randy Jackson hugs Prince Michael Jackson at the memorial service.

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05
I’ll Be There

Jermaine Jackson tosses the rose from his lapel onto his brother’s casket, while performing at Michael Jackson’s public memorial service.

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06
From Our Hearts to Yours

Bernice King and Martin Luther King III share their heartfelt condolences with the Jackson family.

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07
Love and Lyrics

Singer Usher performs “Gone Too Soon” at the service.

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08
In Tribute

Stevie Wonder renders a sweet performance at the memorial service.

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09
In Honor of Michael

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee of Houston, Texas, shares a few words on behalf of the U.S. Congress.

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10
Queen Salutes King

Queen Latifah reads a poem written by Maya Angelou.

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11
Circle of Love

Jennifer Hudson performs at the service.

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12
His Living Legacy

Janet Jackson comforts Michael’s children Paris Katherine Jackson, Prince Michael Jackson II and Prince Michael Jackson, as Paris speaks about the amazing father her dad was.

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13
Last Good-bye

Katherine Jackson arrives with Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, to the service.

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14
Special Duet

Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz sing “I’ll Be There.”

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15
A Tribute to MJ

Lionel Richie, longtime friend of Michael Jackson, performs.

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16
Sweet Melody

Jennifer Hudson gives an inspiring performance.

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17
A Sister’s Love

Janet Jackson attends her brother’s memorial service.

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18
My Brother’s Keeper

From left, Randy, Marlon, Tito, Jackie and Jermaine serve as pallbearers as they carry their brother’s body into the Staples Center.

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19
Golden Good-bye

Michael Jackson’s casket is displayed at the public memorial service on July 7, after being carried in by his brothers.

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20
A Father’s Love

Producer Berry Gordy shares fond memories during the service.

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21
International Love

Smokey Robinson reads letters from Nelson Mandela and Diana Ross during the service.

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22
Last Take

Director Kenny Ortega speaks at the service.

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23
Greats Honor a Great

Basketball players Kobe Bryant and Earvin “Magic” Johnson pay tribute to MJ. Johnson made the crowd laugh with his memories of Michael eating fried chicken on the set of the music video for “Remember the Time.” Johnson made a cameo in the video.

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24
Beautiful Music

John Mayer offers a touching instrumental performance of “Human Nature.”

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25
Heart to Heart

Usher hugs LaToya Jackson after performing during Michael Jackson’s memorial service.

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26
Entertainment’s Best

Usher, music pioneer Suzanne de Passe and Earvin “Magic” Johnson chat backstage at the service.

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27
Celebrating the King of Pop

Michael Jackson’s public memorial service at Staples Center.

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28
The Next Generation

Jennifer Hudson and Usher celebrate the legacy of Michael Jackson at his public memorial service.

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29
Paying His Respects

Wesley Snipes heads inside the Staples Center.

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30
Spreading Peace

Chris Brown attends Michael Jackson’s memorial service.

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31
Remember the Time

Brooke Shields and Earvin “Magic” Johnson share memories of Michael Jackson.

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32
Celebrating Mike’s Legacy

Martin Luther King III and actress Brooke Shields attend the service.

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33
Police Escorts

Motorcade arrives to Forest Lawn Memorial Park on July 7, 2009, in Los Angeles.

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34
King’s Arrival

Don King leaves the Jackson family compound for the memorial service.

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35
Fond Memories

Fans take photos outside the Staples Center on July 7.

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36
Love for Michael

Fans signed a large poster outside the Staples Center.

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37
Historic Homegoing

Fans fortunate to snag tickets to Michael Jackson’s memorial service enter the Staples Center.

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38
Remembering an Icon

Ticketed fans wear their love for Michael on their sleeves.

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39
Resting Place

Forest Lawn Memorial Park is where friends and family will pay last respects to Michael Jackson on July 7, 2009, in Los Angeles.

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40
Friend Indeed

Rev. Al Sharpton stays close by the Jackson family as they prepare for Michael’s service.

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41
Daddy’s Little Girl

Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, arrives at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park on July 6.

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42
Eternal Bond

La Toya Jackson leaves Forest Lawn Memorial Park on July 6 in Los Angeles, after privately mourning her brother with the family.

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43
Praying for Peace

Reverend Jesse Jackson leaves the Michael Jackson family compound on July 6.

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44
Never Forgotten

Joe Jackson departs the Jackson family compound for the memorial service for his son.

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45
Brother to Brother

Randy Jackson, younger brother of Michael Jackson, departs the Jackson family compound for the memorial service.

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