With Michael Jackson temporarily interred at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles, his family is wrestling with a painful decision: Where will the King of Pop finally be laid to rest?
A source close to the Jackson family says, “They [still] haven’t decided,” but adds that the singer’s parents and siblings might be one step closer to an agreement.
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Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson, 79, had previously objected to making the Neverland ranch his final resting place because, says the source, “She thinks it’s a place of horrible memories. She says Michael wouldn’t want to be there.” (Authorities once alleged Jackson molested children at the ranch; he was acquitted of all charges 2005). However, she has since softened her stance, according to the source.
“Katherine is still opposed to Michael being buried at Neverland, but would relent if it could be arranged for Michael’s children to gain ownership of the property,” the source explains. “If they could have complete ownership, Katherine would approve.”
How that arrangement might work, however, is up in the air; currently a majority stake in the property is held by private investors. “That’s one of the things they’re trying to figure out,” the source says, noting that there is money to be made if Neverland becomes a tourist attraction like Graceland, the Memphis home of Elvis Presley.
The other location in play is Forest Lawn, where a private memorial for Jackson was held the morning of his July 7 public tribute in Los Angeles.
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