Who Is Katherine Jackson? Inside the Life of Michael Jackson's Mother

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The highly anticipated portrayal of the King of Pop, Michael, is smashing records opening across countries for a biopic, defying its initial horrendous reviews. With audiences’ enthusiasm on the high, attention is shifting once again to the big Jackson family, including Katherine Jackson, who holds significant sway over the portrayal.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael features Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, the steadfast matriarch behind the King of Pop. The film traces the life of Michael Jackson through a dramatized lens, offering an intimate look at his early years, which received abundant love from his mother, Katherine.

Throughout his rise as a global superstar, Michael Jackson consistently credited his mother, Katherine Jackson, as a guiding force in his life. In his 1998 autobiography Moonwalk, he reflected on her impact, writing, “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.”

With insights from People, InStyle, and Biography, let’s dive into the life of the superstar’s mother, Katherine Jackson, here. 

Katherine Jackson is an author 

Katherine Jackson, born Kattie B. Screws on May 4, 1930, in Clayton, Alabama, spent her early years in East Chicago, Indiana, where she attended Washington High School and played in the school band. She later emerged as an author, documenting her life and the legacy of her family in My Family, the Jacksons (1990), co-written with Richard Wiseman.

The memoir offers a personal account of raising her children and witnessing the meteoric success of The Jackson 5, alongside reflections on Michael Jackson’s solo career and Janet Jackson’s path in music. 

She later released Never Can Say Goodbye: The Katherine Jackson Story, a photo-rich volume filled with personal memories of her children and their enduring influence.

Katherine Jackson is a mother of 10 

Katherine Jackson built the foundation of one of music’s most iconic families after marrying Joe Jackson in 1949. The couple settled in Gary, Indiana, where they went on to raise 10 children between 1950 and 1966.

Their family included daughters like Rebbie Jackson, La Toya Jackson, and Janet Jackson, as well as sons such as Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, and Michael Jackson.

One of their twins, Brandon, sadly passed away shortly after birth. Despite the challenges of raising a large household, Katherine remained a steady and nurturing presence, guiding her children through both ordinary life and extraordinary fame.

Katherine Jackson has been supportive for Michael’s musical career 

The story of The Jackson 5 begins at home with Katherine Jackson. While Joe Jackson pushed the group toward recognition, it was Katherine’s love of music that left a lasting mark on Michael Jackson, who saw in her an unrealized dream he was determined to fulfill.

As stages grew larger, from local talent shows to the legendary Apollo Theater, Katherine worked behind the curtain, sewing costumes and holding the family together. Even after the group’s signing with Motown Records, her unwavering support remained constant.

Katherine Jackson was granted custody for Michael’s children 

Following the death of Michael Jackson in 2009, Katherine Jackson stepped into a pivotal role as the legal guardian of his three children: Prince Jackson, Paris Jackson, and Bigi Jackson.

Named in the singer’s will, she assumed primary responsibility for their care, ensuring stability during a deeply difficult time. A settlement was later reached with Debbie Rowe, granting Katherine full custody while Rowe retained visitation rights.

Through decades of fame, loss, and legacy, Katherine Jackson remains a quiet pillar behind one of music’s most influential families. Her story is one of enduring impact across generations. For more on music’s biggest fortunes, read our feature on the richest musicians in the world.

Read: Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' Scores a Poor 35% on Rotten Tomatoes

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