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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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