1969- Diana Ross

Debbie Rowe is asked about who Michael has in mind to take care of his kids should anything happen to him, Custody Hearing, October 17th 2001


Q. Have you ever considered the possibility if Michael should die, what would happen to the children?
A. I’m sure he’s – he has a wonderful person in mind to take care of them.

(On March 22nd 2002 he drafted a will leaving his children to Diana Ross should anything happen to his mother)

Diana remembers inspiring Michael's art as a kid, 22 January 2002


Diana Ross credits herself for kick-starting Michael Jackson’s love of art – because he became her constant companion on trips to New York art galleries when he was just a boy.

Jackson and his brothers lived with Ross while she was trying to break them on TV shows and in the studio.

She says, “I got him interested in artists like Degas and Michelangelo and I bought him paints. I used to get him to draw all over my walls. He’s a great artist.”

And that wasn’t the only thing Jackson was good at: “I taught the Jackson brothers how to take care of themselves and made sure each of them had a chore to do. Michael would do the dishes.”

Diana and Michael at the Democratic National Committee's Every Vote Counts Campaign, April 24, 2002


Is joined on stage by Diana Ross during a performance of Heal The World, during a Democratic National Committee’s Every Vote Counts Campaign Party.

Harvey Fierstein says Diana confided in him about Michael, Out magazine, June, 2002


Q:You played Diana Ross’s agent in Double Platinum.

A: The things she told me about Michael Jackson, I will take to my grave. It wasn’t terrible things – just a few things I didn’t know.

Michael's Special Thanks on his Number Ones CD, 2004


“Diana Ross, I loved you during the early years and I love you even more today. I love you.”

BBC links MJ as someone Diana is rumoured to have had an affair with, BBC News, 10 Feb, 2004
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3379851.stm


The 1970s also saw her duetting with Marvin Gaye on an album, starring in more films such as Mahogany and the musical The Wiz, also starring a young Michael Jackson – who she was rumoured to have had an affair with.

Diana Ross speaks in support of Michael, November 8, 2004
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20041108/news_1c8dianadiva.html


She voices her support for the embattled singer, now awaiting trial on seven felony counts of child molestation:

“I know what’s going on in the media, and until they prove he’s done something wrong, I just like the fact that other performers and most artists are still supporting him and what he’s done in the music industry, because he’s done so much.

“I heard Usher on an awards show; he really gave credit to Michael, and I appreciate it so much. Michael’s music was authentic, sincere and very important.”

Diana Ross remembers speaking to Michael all the time on the phone but says she hasn't spoken to him for years now, interviewed by Alicia Keys, Feb 2005


AK: The one thing I have found as a performer traveling around so much is that there will be times when I’m talking on the phone, talking to my friends, talking some business, and talking, and talking, and talking, then when it’s time to go onstage, my voice is tired.

DR: That’s why I write notes to people sometimes, when I just need to be quiet. There’s something you just said that made me think of Michael Jackson. I used to talk to Michael on the phone all the time. I haven’t talked to him for years now, but he always used to ask me questions about how to make this whole show-business thing work .

Diana Ross says she and Michael have not been in contact for some time, after the trial, Nov 9, 2005


When asked if she was still in contact with Michael Jackson following his acquittal in his child abuse trial, Ross replied: “I am sure Michael is in a quiet place, recording music… but, no, I have not been in contact with him for some time now.”

Diana releases the album, "Blue," June 20, 2006


The album cover looks like an homage to Michael’s “Invincible” cover. It also includes a cover of one of Michael’s favourite songs, “Smile.”

Michael doesn't attend show to honour Diana, December 7 2007


Where in the world was Michael Jackson?

One would think the King of Pop would have jumped at the chance to pay tribute to Diana Ross at Sunday’s Kennedy Center Honors.

But no, Ross’ onetime best buddy and costar in the movie musical The Wiz decided not to take part, according to an insider.

While I had heard rumblings that producers ditched plans for Jackson to appear because accommodating him would have been a logistical nightmare, I’m told they were willing to make it work.

Now, I’m told Jackson declined the offer to attend.

Still, Ross probably wasn’t too worried about it. Ciara, Jordin Sparks, Lyle Lovett—not to mention Ross’ five children, including Girlfriends star Tracee Ellis Ross—were all in attendance to celebrate the event.

Diana's son Evan Ross said he was working on music with Michael, June 26th 2009


MICHAEL JACKSON ended his life mentoring the son of the soul icon who mentored him – he was working on EVAN ROSS’ breakthrough album.

Just two hours before Jackson’s death on Thursday (25Jun09), Diana Ross’ son sat down with WENN to discuss his upcoming movie

Life Is Hot In Cracktown – but talk quickly turned to his music career.

The 20 year old admitted he was keen to complete upcoming movie projects so he could finish an album he was working on – and revealed he was working with the pop superstar and his mum.

He says, “I’m more focused on acting right now. The music will come. I just don’t want to push it. I’m writing with a lot of different people like Michael (Jackson) on this. It’s R’n'B mixed with a Prince urban vibe.

Diana speaks out after Michael's deah, "I can't stop crying," 28th June, 2009
http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/diana-ross-my-tears-flow-for-michael-402861


Distraught Motown queen Diana Ross yesterday paid tribute to Michael, sobbing: “I am unable to imagine this.”

The 65-year-old diva – a mentor when he was a child star and one of his closest friends – said: “I can’t stop crying. This is all too sudden and shocking.”

The ex Supremes singer starred with teen-aged Michael in a 1977 Wizard of Oz remake called The Wiz. She played Dorothy alongside his Scarecrow and it was Michael’s first collaboration with hit producer Quincy Jones. Diana added: “I am in prayer for his kids and the family.”

Jermaine Jackson on Larry King, July 6th, 2009


“I think it’s very interesting. There’s been a long, close relationship with Michael and Diana for many, many years. And I think it’s great.”

Emil Wilbekin speaking about Michael and Diana's connection, CNN, July, 2009
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/03/michael.jackson.diana.ross/index.html


“You see skits from variety shows where they are doing Frank Sinatra songs and Casablanca,” Emil Wilbekin, managing editor of Essence.com and a founding member of Vibe magazine under Quincy Jones told CNN.

“Although she was older than Michael, they had a real connection and that connection, I think, and that friendship really moved throughout his career.”

That friendship was something of a motherly love on Ross’ part and an idolization from Jackson, according to Wilbekin. And the bond they formed could explain why Jackson chose her to care for his kids, if his mother could not, Wilbekin said.

Ross raised five children of her own who grew up to become extremely “normal and successful children of a superstar,” Wilbekin said.

“The other thing interesting about Diana and Michael’s relationship: They both were a part of groups, they both ended up eclipsing their groups, so they had a shared experience that nobody else could really realize,” he said. “I think in that they had a very special bond.”

“The point that nobody has brought up — Diana Ross happens to be a phenomenal mother. [Her kids are] kind of balanced, normal celebrity kids. And I think that’s the part people aren’t really looking at,” Wilbekin said.

While some people may have been surprised another Jackson family member didn’t follow Katherine Jackson in the will, Wilbekin said he believes that by picking Diana Ross, “he named someone who was super-responsible.”

And because Jackson’s children, have been growing up in the limelight because of their father, he may have wanted someone familiar with that, Wilbekin said.

“That just shows Michael’s foresight, his emotional wisdom and his ultimate love for his family and protecting them,” he said. “These are not normal kids, they did not live a normal life, and she totally completely understands that.”

Diana's statement at the Memorial, July 7th 2009


“I am trying to find closure, I want you to know that even though I am not there at the Staples Center. I am there in my heart. I have decided to pause and be silent. This feels right for me. Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life in a way that I can’t seem to find words to express.

“Michael wanted me to be there for his children, and I will be there if they ever need me. I hope, today brings closure for all those who loved him. Thank you Katherine and Joe for sharing your son with the world and with me. I send my love and condolences to the Jackson family.”

Don Cornelius speaks about Michael falling in love with Diana- Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009 - TIME


He had a star quality, even as an 8-year-old. He was such a lovable individual. If you were backstage, you saw the women who happened to be on the same show, and they just kind of adopted Michael. They were always hugging and kissing and rubbing him — it went on and on, more than almost any other kid could possibly bear. I’m sure Michael got tired of it, but he never complained. They were all over him. As time went on, he sort of fell in love with Diana Ross —her music and her singing — and I think it was mutual. She fell in love with him also. He was still only 9 or 10.

Diana Ross Denies She Is In A Feud With The Jacksons Over Custody Over Michael's Children, July 21 2009


Singing legend Diana Ross is slamming the rumors that she is in a feud with the Jackson family mother Katherine, and is calling the gossip that the two are at odds over custody over Michael Jackson’s children “ridiculous.” Diana was named in Jackson’s will as an alternative guardian for the children if his mother Katherine was unable to care for them. The decision was unpopular among Jackson family members who have challenged the will, which was drawn up in 2002. Jackson’s sister LaToya told reporters, “We believe there is another will which will emerge. He updated his will almost every five years, so we expect one to come from 2007. Michael always told us that he wanted his eldest sister, Rebbie Jackson, to look after the children. Rebbie had a nice family, which Michael loved. He told many family members that she was his choice.” Despite the media reports, Ross is still insisting that there is no bitterness between her and the Jackson family. A spokesperson for the star says, “Ms. Ross has deep love for the Jackson family.”

Diana Ross, Tracee Ellis Join Evan For MJ Themed Birthday Celebration In L.A. August 31, 2009





Evan Ross celebrated his 21st birthday at Guys and Dolls in Los Angeles, CA on Friday (August 28) with a Michael Jackson themed party. Evan was joined by mom and longtime friend of MJ, The Magnificent Diana Ross, and sisters Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney. In honor of MJ, the crowd sang Happy Birthday to Michael first before singing the celebratory song to baby MJ Evan. Sources report, Ms. Ross then sang her son’s favorite MJ song to him from Jackson’s, Off The Wall album

Diana Ross dedicates her tour to him and sang "Missing You/You Are Not Alone/I Love You" in his memory, May-June 2010





Inside the front cover of her tour book: “My tour is dedicated to the memory of Michael Jackson. I love you Michael.”

First show:

“I’m dedicating my tour this year to my dear friend Michael Jackson, I loved him dearly. Every single word of this song is true.” She went on to perform a medley of Jackson’s hits, including the track You Are Not Alone.

When the picture of them together with his arms around her waist came up, she turned around and walked up the stairs to the top and stood in front and sang two lines from the song, “I Love You” – “I love you/And that’s all that really matters/Yes, that’s all that really matters.” Then the stage went dark.

Michael's children in her audience, 10th June 2010


Almost a year after Michael Jackson‘s tragic death, his three children stepped out on Wednesday night to attend Diana Ross‘ concert in Los Angeles during which the singer paid tribute to Jackson, RadarOnline.com has learned.

“The reason I did this concert for one night is to pay tribute to my friend Michael Jackson,” Diana said at the end of her performance at the Nokia theater. “His children are in the audience,” Ross said and the crowd thundered with applause for the three children. Prince, 13, Paris, 12, and Blanket, 8, were seated next to Barry Gordy, the legendary founder of Motown records.

Q&A with Douglas Kirkland photographer for Life magazine


Q.One of Michael’s strongest influences was Diana Ross, who befriended him when The Jackson 5 first joined Motown. He adored her. You worked for many years with Diana-did she ever talk about Michael?

A.I did most of Diana’s photography for about a ten-year period, before the Thriller video was made. She would periodically speak of Michael in a very warm way. She had real admiration and affection for him -her eyes would light up every time that she spoke of him.