Paris Jackson Addresses Michael Jackson Death Anniversary and Honors His Legacy

OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.

As the world prepares to mark 16 years since the passing of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009, his daughter Paris Jackson has offered a moving glimpse into how she commemorates her father’s legacy—and the song that brings her closest to his memory each year.

In a series of candid interviews and heartfelt social media posts tied to her role as the supporting act on Incubus and Manchester Orchestra’s Morning View + The Hits tour, Paris revealed the Michael Jackson track that resonates most deeply with her on the anniversary of his death. Her choice? “Earth Song,” the sweeping, emotional anthem her father released in 1995.

“It’s not just any song,” Paris reflected. “It’s one of the few that he used to perform with this raw, emotional spirit—about healing the world, saving the planet, and loving each other.”

A Song Like No Other

Unlike most pop songs in her father’s catalog, “Earth Song” stands apart for its ambitious blend of blues, gospel, and even operatic elements. Recorded over the span of seven years and featured on the HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album, the single is a searing meditation on environmental destruction, human suffering, and the power of collective empathy. Upon its release, “Earth Song” soared to the top of the charts across Europe, including a six-week reign at No. 1 in the U.K. during the 1995 holiday season, and earned Michael critical and Grammy recognition for its poignant message.

Carrying the Message Forward

For Paris, June 25 is a date charged with both sorrow and pride—a duality she acknowledges with clarity. Addressing recent public scrutiny for performing on her father’s anniversary, Paris clarified that as a supporting act, she doesn’t control her tour schedule. “That day always feels heavy—but this year, after naming ‘Earth Song’ as the one that means the most, it feels like… I’m carrying something forward, honoring him and his message.”

Paris has frequently described music as a tool for healing, a creative outlet that connects her to her father’s spirit. In interviews, she’s noted that her own songwriting often explores the same terrain of emotion, longing, and loss—making her connection to “Earth Song” especially poignant.

Why “Earth Song” Still Matters

Decades after its release, “Earth Song” remains one of Michael Jackson’s most urgent and enduring works. Its plea for environmental consciousness, animal welfare, and greater human empathy speaks to ongoing global challenges—and to the humanitarian vision Michael championed.

For Paris, the track’s journey from grief to hope mirrors her own emotional arc each year on June 25. “That transformation, from sorrow to something that can help heal the world—that’s what my dad was all about,” she shared. On a day of remembrance, “Earth Song” becomes both a comfort and a call to action, allowing Paris—and millions of fans worldwide—to honor Michael Jackson’s legacy in the most meaningful way.