In yet another surprising twist to the aftermath of Jackson's death (left), it was revealed that soul legend Diana Ross had been named as a back-up guardian to the singer's children in the event of his mother Katherine's death. -- PHOTO: AP
LOS ANGELES - THE family of Michael Jackson ruled out holding a poignant funeral at the star's Neverland estate on Wednesday as the singer's will was made public for the first time.
Will becomes public
Documents filed in addition to the will valued Jackson's estate at more than US$500 million (S$722 million), although it was not clear how that figure had been reached. Jackson was believed to be heavily in debt at the time of his death.
While Katherine Jackson was named as carer for the pop icon's children, soul legend Ross, 65, was named as guardian if the singer's mother died before him.
LOS ANGELES - THE family of Michael Jackson on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of burying the pop star at his Neverland Ranch retreat, saying no 'private or public' services would be held at the estate.
'Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland,' according to a statement released by a public relations firm hired by the family.
LOS OLIVOS (California) - AFTER nearly a day waiting in a tent outside Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, Mr Arturo Sanchez learned the funeral would be held elsewhere. But even that did not discourage him.
'We're going to stick it out until tomorrow morning,' said the 29-year-old Los Angeles resident, camping with his stepbrother and sister in T-shirts bearing Jackson's picture and the title of his song, 'You Are Not Alone.' 'We hear all sorts of things,' Mr Sanchez said. 'And besides, we meet lots of interesting people here. We'll make this a tribute to Michael Jackson.'
An army of journalists and crowds of fans had flocked to Jackson's sprawling Neverland Ranch estate on Tuesday after reports the King of Pop's body would be placed on display for a public viewing before a private service on Sunday.
However, the Jackson family dispelled frenzied speculation that the funeral could see Neverland evolve into a permanent resting place for the icon similar to Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis.
'Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland,' a statement released by the family's public relations firm said.
'Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly.' The Los Angeles Times reported earlier that the Jackson family's hopes of burying the singer at his sprawling rural estate northwest of Los Angeles had fallen victim to red tape.
However, Santa Barbara County communications director William Boyer told AFP on Wednesday that authorities had never received any contact from the Jackson family concerning the funeral.
'We would love to be able to talk directly with the Jackson family or their representatives,' Mr Boyer said. 'We've been trying to reach them directly. We've had no formal contact at all. There's been no requests.' Local media reported a public memorial for Jackson may now be held at the 20,000-seat Staples Center or the bigger Los Angeles Coliseum, venue for the 1984 Olympic Games.
The confusion over Jackson's funeral arrangements came as the picture surrounding the star's estate appeared to clear with the emergence of a 2002 will filed at Los Angeles Superior Court.
In yet another surprising twist to the aftermath of Jackson's death, it was revealed that soul legend Diana Ross had been named as a back-up guardian to the singer's children in the event of his mother Katherine's death.
The five-page document also revealed the singer's assets were to be left in the Michael Jackson Family Trust but the terms of the trust were not disclosed. -- AFP
