July 09, 2009
Who Will Mother Jackson's Kids?
Michael Jackson's mother Katherine was granted temporary custody of his three children, but there are five women who could step forward and take care of Prince, Paris and Blanket.
While Katherine has temporary guardianship, and even though Michael named her as the person he wanted to care for his children, there are obstacles that stand in her way. She is 79 -- and their biological mother, Debbie Rowe, may still be able to assume parental rights.
Rowe admitted to ABC that she didn't bear Prince Michael and Paris for Michael out of maternal instinct. "I didn't do it to be a mother. I didn't change diapers. I didn't get up in the middle of the night -- even when I was there, Michael did it all." Debbie also told Us Weekly in 2003 that she "never" wanted to be a mother. Representatives for Rowe recently told the press that she was undecided on whether or not she'd seek custody of the two children.
Michael's sister Janet is also another maternal figure that could care for his children. Miss Jackson once told "Extra" that she'd be perfectly suited for motherhood. "I used to babysit my nieces and nephews. I think I would be pretty okay. I've done it for a pretty long time."
Grace Rwaramba, the children's nanny, was a mother figure to the children for ten years. Michael even considered marrying Grace in 2006. Jackson's spiritual advisor, Dr. Firpo Carr, says that Rwaramba won't fight the Jackson family matriarch for custody. "She wouldn't dare challenge Katherine. Katherine is not one to be trifled with."
The last woman who could take Michael's children under her wing is Diana Ross. Jackson named the singer as an alternate if his mother could not care for his brood. TV judge Jeanine Pirro tells "Extra" that Ross taking the children is unlikely. "The only contest right now is between the biological mother and grandma."
Tell "Extra" -- Who do you think should care for the kids?
