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Photo by Leon Bennett/WireImageMichael Jackson‘s children, Paris Jackson and her brother, Michael Joseph “Prince” Jackson, Jr., joined other Jackson family members in paying tribute to their grandfather Joe Jackson, who died Wednesday of cancer at the age of 89.
Paris, 20, shared a series of photos on Instagram — including one of her holding her grandfather’s hand at his hospital bedside — along with a lengthy tribute to the Jackson patriarch that began with “RIP The HAWK. Joseph Jackson.”
“Spending those last few moments with you were everything. being able to tell you everything i needed to tell you before saying goodbye was such a blessing,” Paris went on. “You are the first true jackson. the legend that started it all. none of us would be anywhere near where we’re at if it weren’t for you…You are the strongest man i know. your life’s work will go down in history, as will you, to be known as one of the greatest patriarchs to ever live.”
Paris also shared a touching story of their last moments together, in which she promised the elder Jackson she’d “keep telling your story, over and over.”
“Rest in peace and transition. i’ll see you in my dreams very very soon,” she concluded.
In a statement obtained by ABC News, Prince Jackson, 21, wrote: “This man is and always will be an example or sheer willpower and dedication. He didn’t choose the path that was the easiest but he choose the path that was best for his family.”
The statement went on: “You taught me to take pride in the Jackson name and what it really means, you taught me dedication in the face of adversity and most of all you showed me strength and fearlessness. There is and never will be someone like you. Fly free and until we meet again The Hawk.”
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