Paris Jackson On Grief, Music & Growing Up In The Spotlight

Paris Jackson, the daughter of the late Michael Jackson, has spent her life navigating the complexities of fame, family legacy, and personal growth under the relentless gaze of the public eye. In a candid conversation on the podcast Trying Not to Die, Jackson opened up about the intersection of grief, creative expression, and the unique pressures of growing up in one of the world’s most scrutinized households.

Jackson’s journey with music began in adolescence. She recalls picking up the guitar at around 13 or 14, initially learning chords from online tutorials. “I kind of plateaued for a while because I learned enough chords to write,” she shared. It wasn’t until her early twenties that she fully embraced music as a creative pursuit, overcoming self-doubt to explore her voice and songwriting. Her influences span decades and genres, from Radiohead and Conor Oberst to Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins, reflecting a love for both lyrical depth and sonic experimentation.

While her musical development reflects personal passion, Jackson’s upbringing cast long shadows over her path. Growing up as the child of a global superstar brought both opportunities and intense scrutiny. Jackson recounted experiences of media misrepresentation, including false rumors about her personal life. “There was a lot about my upbringing that was silver spoon-esque, but so much had to be earned,” she said, highlighting the duality of privilege and responsibility that shaped her adolescence.

Despite the external pressures, Jackson emphasizes the importance of work ethic instilled by her family. “If I stop moving, I’ll die. I need to work and be productive,” she explained. This drive extends to all aspects of her life, including her music, photography, and hobbies such as rock climbing. Her disciplined approach has been complemented by spiritual practices and sobriety, providing grounding amidst the volatility of fame. Jackson credits these practices with helping her navigate anxiety, past trauma, and the unpredictable realities of a public life.

Jackson’s relationship with grief is deeply personal. She has lost numerous friends and mentors, including family members and industry figures, and she describes the process of grieving as intertwined with self-discovery. “I do see these trials and tribulations as a superpower because when we go through healing, it can become medicine for other people,” she reflected. Her perspective reframes suffering as a conduit for empathy and growth, transforming adversity into a source of resilience and creative energy.

Parenthood and adulthood have further shaped Jackson’s worldview. She describes the responsibilities and joys of raising children as grounding, giving her a sense of stability and purpose. She also emphasizes the importance of boundaries, friendships, and selective social engagement, cultivating a circle of loyal and high-integrity individuals who support her well-being. “I’ve whittled down my friend group, and I’m very picky about who I spend time with now,” she said, underscoring the intentionality behind her relationships.

In discussing her creative output, Jackson expressed excitement about her upcoming music and film projects. Her new single, Zombies in Love, is part of a broader body of work she describes as evolving, blending folk roots with influences from alternative and grunge genres. While she relishes the process of creating and releasing music, she also grapples with the business side of the industry. “The most uncomfortable part is dealing with contracts and details. I just want to make art,” she admitted, highlighting the tension between artistic freedom and commercial obligations.

Jackson’s upbringing in the spotlight has also instilled a nuanced perspective on privacy and social media. Having grown up under intense scrutiny, she has learned to curate her public presence while maintaining authenticity. She reflects on the importance of personal relationships and intimate experiences, noting that social media cannot replicate the depth of real-life connections. “I can have my own personal relationship and it’s the most beautiful relationship ever,” she said, referring to her bond with her late father.

Her father’s influence remains a central theme in Jackson’s life. She speaks of his guidance, work ethic, and extraordinary talents with reverence, framing their relationship as both grounding and inspirational. She describes the profound realization that her relationship with him was unique and irreplaceable, a perspective she now carries forward in her own life and parenting. This acknowledgment allows Jackson to balance respect for her family legacy with the autonomy to forge her own path.

Recovery and mental health are recurring motifs in Jackson’s narrative. She openly discusses struggles with addiction, self-harm, and depressive episodes, emphasizing the importance of therapy, spiritual practices, and intentional self-care. “Once you go through the process of healing, it can become medicine for other people,” she explained, highlighting the transformative potential of confronting personal challenges. Jackson’s insights resonate as both cautionary tales and inspirational guidance for those navigating similar paths, offering a blueprint for resilience, creativity, and authenticity.

Jackson’s candid reflections extend to broader philosophical and spiritual inquiries. She explores concepts from tarot, meditation, energy work, and comparative spiritual texts, including Thich Nhat Hanh’s Living Buddha, Living Christ. These practices inform her approach to life, creativity, and emotional well-being, grounding her in a sense of purpose that transcends celebrity and external validation. “A spiritual life is between me and what I consider my higher power,” she said, highlighting the personal and fluid nature of her journey.

The interview also touches on the challenges of growing up different, especially as someone in the public eye. Jackson recalls early social struggles, homeschooling, and the process of integrating into traditional schooling environments. These experiences, coupled with public misconceptions about her personality and behavior, shaped her understanding of identity, privacy, and self-expression. Through reflection and personal growth, she has developed a nuanced approach to navigating both public perception and private authenticity.

Ultimately, Paris Jackson’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. She embodies the complexities of growing up in fame while forging an independent identity, balancing artistic expression, mental health, and spirituality. Through candid reflection, Jackson demonstrates that the challenges of a public life, personal loss, and self-doubt can coexist with profound growth, creativity, and joy. Her insights resonate far beyond celebrity culture, offering lessons in perseverance, authenticity, and the transformative power of grief and reflection.