Katherine Jackson (left), 79, is universally described as a gentle, loving matriarch who has doted on her family and fought to keep them united through tough times. -- PHOTO: AP
LOS ANGELES - WHEN ABC wanted to make a miniseries about the Jackson family's life in 1992, Michael Jackson had one major requirement before he would give his blessing: Someone beautiful had to play his mother.
THROUGH THICK AND THIN
Michael Jackson's three children have not had their biological mothers in their lives. But people close to the Jacksons say Katherine Jackson has an incredibly close relationship with her grandchildren, perhaps more than anyone else in her late son's life.
Katherine Jackson was by her son's side through some of his greatest triumphs and tragedies, from his stunning 'Thriller' success to his 2005 acquittal of child molestation charges.
The pop superstar adored Katherine Jackson, who ended up being portrayed by Angela Bassett in the miniseries. Jackson's will designates her as the guardian of his three children, and she, along with his kids and children's charities, inherit his family trust, according to a source who requested anonymity because the person was not authorised to speak about the matter.
Jackson had a fractious relationship at times with various family members and other confidants, but friends say Jackson saw his mother as the one flawless, angelic constant in his life.
A Jehovah's Witness, Katherine Jackson, 79, is universally described as a gentle, loving matriarch who has doted on her family and fought to keep them united through tough times.
Born Katherine Scruse, she was reared in Chicago and overcame polio as a child (she still walks with a slight limp). She married Joe Jackson at age 19, and they had 10 children (Marlon Jackson had a twin who died shortly after birth) in nearby Gary, Indiana.
Katherine and Joe Jackson are still married and recently marked their 60th anniversary. But their relationship has long been difficult and they have not lived together for years, according to a close friend of the singer who did not want to be identified because the person was not authorised to discuss the family.
Though it was Joe Jackson who managed Michael Jackson and his brothers to early stardom, Michael credited his mother with giving him his vocal gifts. He described her as a pianist and singer in her own right who was the first to identify and encourage her children's musical talents.
'Every child thinks their mother is the greatest mother in the world, but we Jacksons never lost that feeling,' Jackson wrote in 'Moonwalk,' his 1988 autobiography.
'Because of Katherine's gentleness, warmth and attention, I can't imagine what it's like to grow up without a mother's love.' -- AP
