Michael Jackson’s marriage to Debbie Rowe, a devoted fan-turned-friend, captivated the public when they wed while she was pregnant with their first child.

Before Debbie Rowe, Jackson was briefly married to Lisa Marie Presley, but their union ended after two years. His subsequent marriage to Rowe, who was not a public figure, raised eyebrows and fueled media attention for years.

Rowe, a nurse assistant and divorcée, met Jackson during his vitiligo treatment at Dr. Arnold Klein’s dermatology office. Their friendship deepened during Jackson’s world tours, where Rowe, described as kind-hearted and preferring jeans and T-shirts, became close to the superstar. She even had posters of Jackson in her apartment.

Motivated by Jackson’s desire for children, Rowe described her decision to bear his children as a gift to keep him happy, emphasizing his loneliness and longing for kids. Their son, Prince Michael, was born three months after their wedding in February 1997. Rowe shared in a documentary that Jackson was visibly moved during the birth, describing him as the happiest she had ever seen him.

However, their marriage was short-lived, and they divorced less than two years later in October 1999. Rowe received $8 million and a home in Beverly Hills but relinquished custody of their children to Jackson.

In 2014, Rowe sought custody of her children after Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, became their guardian. Rowe expressed concerns about the influence of Jackson’s brothers, especially Jermaine Jackson, on the children. She wanted to move them to her ranch in Palmdale, California, where she raised horses.

Rowe faced opposition from Jackson’s brothers, who asserted that the children were well cared for and loved. The legal battle highlighted tensions within the family over the children’s upbringing.

Rowe’s life took a personal turn in 2016 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. This period led to a reconciliation with her daughter, Paris, after a period of estrangement. Reflecting on her journey with cancer, Rowe spoke about the impact on her femininity but reaffirmed her identity and strength beyond physical changes.

In recent years, Paris Jackson has publicly shown support for her mother, including heartfelt tributes on Mother’s Day, celebrating their bond despite past challenges and the public spotlight on their family dynamics.