Everything about Debbie Rowe, the ex-wife of Michael Jackson
Debbie Rowe is perhaps one of the most mysterious women in Michael Jackson's life. She was married to him for three years, had Prince and Paris Jackson with him, and after their divorce, chose to leave full custody to him. Debbie Rowe now leads a reclusive life on her ranch in California. But how is Debbie Rowe doing now? What is her relationship with her children like and how does she reflect on her marriage to Michael Jackson? We looked into how Debbie Rowe is doing now and what her life looks like these days.
The marriage between Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe has always remained a bit of a mystery. They largely lived apart from each other and after their divorce, following three years of marriage and two children, Debbie Rowe completely left custody to Michael Jackson. Through the biopic Michael (by the way, did you know he now earns more than ever) and the documentary The Verdict which is now available on Netflix, I suddenly felt an uncontrollable curiosity about this woman again. Because how is she doing now Debbie Rowe and what was it like between those two?
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Who is Debbie Rowe?
Debbie Rowe was born on December 6, 1958, in the United States and is primarily known as the ex-wife of Michael Jackson and the mother of Prince and Paris Jackson. She met Michael Jackson in the practice of his dermatologist Arnold Klein, where she worked as a medical assistant. What started as a friendship eventually grew into a marriage that became known worldwide. To this day, their relationship raises questions. Was it love or a practical agreement or perhaps a combination of both? The fact is that Debbie Rowe has always consciously stayed out of the spotlight and rarely gives interviews about her life with Michael Jackson. Would she have signed up for that?
The love between Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe
Michael Jackson met Debbie Rowe in the practice of Arnold Klein in Beverly Hills. Arnold Klein was a famous dermatologist who treated Michael for his skin condition vitiligo. Debbie worked there as a medical assistant and got to know Michael with whom she formed a close bond. To me, the love between Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe always came across as a marriage of convenience. They were undoubtedly fond of each other, but there was no heavenly love here, even a toddler could see that. Especially when she divorced him after Prince and Paris were born and relinquished custody, it seemed more like a refined surrogacy. Because what other mother would just give up her children? In later interviews, she said she always knew that Michael would be a fantastic father to Paris and Prince and that she was ‘dispensable’ in that regard. By the way, what is very striking is the fact that Debbie Rowe says she never had sex with Michael, but that she was inseminated with sperm from a sperm donor. The children are therefore not his biological children.
Debbie testified against Michael Jackson
Very interesting is the fact that Debbie Rowe in the trial against Michael Jackson (in which he is suspected of indecent acts with underage boys) would testify. A shock went through the country and the plaintiff's lawyers were already patting each other on the back. Because with such a witness, the ex of the defendant, they would win the case gloriously. But the incredible happened; during the session, Debbie diametrically changed her position and nothing bad about Michael Jackson came over her lips. It is said that Michael's legal team threatened with the fact that she would never see her children again, but that seems gratuitous to me because she wasn't seeing those children at all. According to people who were present, they saw Michael and Debbie looking at each other and it seemed that her love for Michael prevailed over her possible anger. Then, just a side note, the three boys who were said to have been abused by Michael (including Macaulay Culkin) testified that nothing sexual had taken place and Michael Jackson was acquitted on all grounds. I don't fully understand the anger of Michael fans who accuse Netflix of streaming this ’detrimental documentary‘ about Michael Jackson because if you watch this documentary to the end, he is declared innocent on all grounds.
How is Debbie Rowe doing now?
Debbie lived a fairly reclusive life on her ranch in California where she breeds horses. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was called by her daughter Paris and their contact was restored. Paris has mentioned in an interview that her mother was completely absent during her younger years and that is why she does not have a ‘mommy mommy’ relationship with Debbie, but rather an adult relationship that is very dear to both of them. According to Debbie, Paris was also a huge support during her illness.
Anyone expecting Debbie Rowe to have sought the spotlight after her marriage to Michael Jackson is mistaken. It seems that peace is her biggest priority. She rarely appears in public and consciously chooses a life outside of Hollywood. Although her name will forever be linked to Michael Jackson, Debbie Rowe has found her own path: a life with her family, her horses, and above all, a lot of privacy.
Prince, Paris, and Bigi Jackson: this is what Michael Jackson's children are doing now
In the meantime, Debbie has recovered from breast cancer, advocates for the fight against breast cancer for all women after her, and still chooses a life in silence with her horses.
Prince Jackson (29)
Prince lives in Los Angeles and has played a major role behind the scenes of the Michael Jackson biopic. He worked as an executive producer on the project and has made it clear that he wants his father's story to be told accurately and respectfully. In addition, he has been active in charity work surrounding health and well-being for children for years. In August 2025, he announced his engagement to his girlfriend Molly Schirmang, after eight years together.
Paris Jackson (27)
Paris declined the offer to participate in the biopic and focuses on her music career and fashion. She has also played a role in American Horror Stories. She has always been open about her mental health (she has struggled with her mental health for years and the resulting drug problem), which has earned her a lot of respect from fans. She lives in the Hollywood Hills.
Bigi Jackson (24)
Bigi (who was born from an unknown surrogate) is much more reserved than his older brother and sister and lives in Calabasas. He rarely appears in public but was present at the premiere events surrounding the biopic this year. By the way, all three of the Jackson children, a special moment.
