Michael Jackson's Daughter Paris Gives Tearful Good-Bye
Tribute ends with Jackson family singing "We Are the World."
July 7, 2009 — -- The lavish memorial service for Michael Jackson concluded with the simple, heartbreaking remarks of his 11-year-old daughter Paris.
"I just wanted to say, ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine," said Paris, flanked by her aunts and uncles and grandmother.
"And I just wanted to say I love him so much," said Paris before she clenched her eyes tightly shut, burst into tears and threw herself into Janet Jackson's arms.
Paris' unexpected comments were so moving because she and her two brothers have rarely been seen without veils or masks, and other than a few short remarks on home videos, Paris has never before spoken in public.
Paris' appearance was the most moving moment of the more than two hour service, which featured performances and eulogies by some of the world's biggest stars.
Motown founder Berry Gordy said the title "King of Pop" was not big enough for the moonwalking singer.
"I think he is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived," Gordy said, drawing a standing ovation and a roar of approval from the thousands in the Los Angeles Staples Center.
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Approximately 19,500 people attended the memorial service in downtown Los Angeles while around 5,500 watched the event being simulcast, according to the Staples Center and Allgood Entertainment.
"He studied the great and became greater. He raised the bar and then broke the bar. His talent and creativity thrust him and entertainment into another stratosphere," Gordy said.
"Michael Jackson went into orbit and never went down," he said.
The final tribute of the ceremony, a rendition of "We Are The World," which Jackson co-wrote with Lionel Richie, brought all of the day's performer's together. The Jackson family, as well as Michael's three children, went on stage to sing.
Marlon Jackson broke down as he spoke about his younger brother.
"Michael when you left us, a part of me went with you," said Marlon.
Referring to the constant media attention his brother attracted during his lifetime, Marlon said, "Maybe now Michael they will leave you alone."
Jackson's rose covered casket was brought to today's public memorial service with all the eccentric extravagance that marked the life of the so-called King of Pop.
As the Andraé Crouch Choir, who performed the back up on "Man in the Mirror," sang, the casket was carried on stage by Jackson brothers Tito, Jackie, Randy and Jermaine, all of whom were wearing gold ties and a single sequined white glove.
The Jackson family received a standing ovation by the crowd inside the Staples Center as they entered the arena.
Katherine Jackson and LaToya, one of Jackson's sisters, comforted 11-year-old Paris as the casket was carried in. Jackson's two sons, Prince Michael I, 12, and Prince Michael II, 7, were also sitting in the same row as their grandmother. Prince Michael II, nicknamed Blanket, was holding a Michael Jackson doll during the service.
