Jackson matriarch Katherine Jackson turns 96!
The beloved mom of Michael Jackson celebrated her 96th birthday on May 4. Katherine was born in 1930 in Barbour County, Alabama, by the name of Kattie B. Screws, according to biography. Her mom’s name was Martha Mattie, and her dad’s, Prince Albert Screws.
At the age of 4 years old, Katherine and her family relocated to East Chicago, Indiana, where her name was then changed to Katherine Esther Scruse, biography reported. At a young age, Katherine contracted polio. She eventually recovered from the illness; however, the disease left her with a permanent limp.
While the King of Pop — Katherine’s dearest son — passed away on June 25, 2009, the matriarch has seven surviving children by her side as she continues thriving into her elder years.
Katherine Jackson’s Legacy
Katherine’s famous children include Rebbie Jackson, 75; Jackie Jackson, 75; Tito Jackson, who died at the age of 70; Jermaine Jackson, 71; La Toya Jackson, 69; Marlon Jackson, 69; Brandon Jackson, who died in infancy, Michael Jackson, who died at the age of 50; Randy Jackson, 64; and Janet Jackson, 59.
Katherine’s eldest son, Jackie, shares a birthday with his beloved mom, turning 75 as Katherine rounded the corner to 96.
The Jackson family shared a birthday tribute for Katherine and Jackie on their official Instagram, captioning the loving photo of the pair: “Happy Birthday to two pillars of our family. To our brother Jackie – your strength, talent, and love have always helped guide us. And to our beautiful mother Katherine — the heart of everything we are, your grace and wisdom continue to inspire generations. We love you both endlessly. Today and always, we celebrate you.”
Katherine’s husband, Joe Jackson, passed away on June 27, 2018, from pancreatic cancer — just days after the death date of his son Michael. Katherine and Joe met in 1949 and married each other in Indiana, PEOPLE reported.
GettyIn an interview filmed by Xonger Global Entertainment Networks — obtained by ABC News — and shared by CNN, Katherine shared that it was love at first sight when she met Joe as a teenage girl.
“I just had a feeling that he was going to be my husband,” she said. “The first time I saw him, I fell in love with him.”
Katherine Jackson Talks About Son Michael Jackson
When it comes to her beloved son Michael, Katherine shared in a 2010 interview with Oprah Winfrey that the world-famous entertainer didn’t have many people in his life he trusted. “‘Mother, I don’t trust anybody. The only person I trust is you,’” she told Oprah, referring to what Michael told her after the controversial 2005 trial, where the artist was tried on multiple counts on behalf of a child sexual abuse conspiracy, The Guardian reported. Michael was ultimately found not guilty on all counts after 14 weeks of testimony.
Katherine told Oprah that it was her husband, Joe, who alerted her that Michael had been rushed to the hospital by ambulance before he eventually was announced to be dead. “We stayed in there a long time before [the doctor] came in to tell us,” she said of being in the hospital waiting to hear if Michael would survive. “I guess he didn’t want to either. But the doctor had to tell us.”
GettyIn Michael’s 1988 autobiography, “Moonwalk,” he described the special nature of his mom’s love and how her care helped to shape the lives of him and his siblings.
“Every child thinks their mother is the greatest mother in the world, but we Jacksons never lost that feeling,” Michael wrote. “Because of Katherine’s gentleness, warmth and attention, I can’t imagine what it’s like to grow up without a mother’s love. The lessons she taught us were invaluable. Kindness, love, and consideration for other people headed her list.”
Happy Birthday, Ms. Jackson!
