Paris Jackson, Prince Jackson, and other Jackson family members react to the death of patriarch Joe (updated)

Suzy Byrne
·Editor, Yahoo Entertainment

Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson died Wednesday at the age of 89. The co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain, confirmed his death, reportedly from pancreatic cancer, in a statement in which they offered “heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Katherine Jackson and the family.”

The family is slowly starting to speak out about the man, nicknamed “The Hawk,” who ushered the Jackson 5 to superstardom and championed the solo careers of icons Michael and Janet Jackson. However, Joe Jackson leaves a complicated legacy due to his heavy-handed tactics — with his children and others he did business with along the way. Michael Jackson, who died in 2009, accused his father of physical abuse while Joe Jackson was managing the careers of him and his siblings (Joe Jackson had 11 children), but also said he believed that the methods were instrumental to his success.

Joe Jackson and his daughter La Toya Jackson pose in Las Vegas on June 9, 2011. She is one of the family members sharing an online tribute to the controversial talent manager. (Photo: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images)
Joe Jackson and his daughter La Toya Jackson pose in Las Vegas on June 9, 2011. She is one of the family members sharing an online tribute to the controversial talent manager. (Photo: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images)

Michael’s children were some of the first to publicly pay tribute to their late grandfather. Paris Jackson posted a touching message that recalled their final moments together — as well as a photo of them holding hands while he was in his hospital bed.

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. everyone that came to visit you, came with love, respect, and so much pride in their hearts for you. proud of you, proud to be your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, proud to have your strength and share the dynasty you spent your life creating, and proud to be a jackson. 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. i will cherish every moment with you til the day i die, especially our last moments. being able to hold your hand, lay with you and cuddle you, give you kisses all over your cheeks and forehead, meant more to me than you’ll ever know. quoting advice you gave me when i was a little kid and seeing your eyes light up, sharing stories my dad used to tell me about you, telling a joke and hearing you laugh for the last time.. my heart is full knowing we left each other in that way. i made you promise me you’ll come visit me. you agreed and i’m going to hold you to it. and i promised you that we will keep telling your story, over and over. to never be forgotten. my great grandchildren will know who joseph jackson is. i love you grandpa. so so so much that words can’t describe. i have immense gratitude for you, and always will. we all feel that way. thank you for everything. truly. rest in peace and transition. i’ll see you in my dreams very very soon.

A post shared by Paris-Michael K. Jackalope (@parisjackson) on Jun 27, 2018 at 4:51pm PDT

Prince Jackson, Michael’s elder son, said his grandpa “always will be an example of sheer willpower and dedication.” He said Joe taught him “to take pride in the Jackson name and what it really means.” He ended by writing, “Fly free and until we meet again The Hawk.”

This man is and always will be an example of 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. 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.

A post shared by Prince Jackson (@princejackson) on Jun 27, 2018 at 11:56am PDT

Joe’s daughter La Toya is the only one of his children to share an online tribute so far. She wrote that her dad “made us one of the most famous families in the world” and she was “extremely appreciative of that.”

She also shared a happy memory of him.

Randy Jackson Jr., one of Jackson’s grandsons (Randy’s son), shared a real throwback — Joe next to some gold records.

Jackon’s grandson and son of Tito Jackson, Taj Jackson, also shared a heartfelt tribute.

Thank you Grandpa for the amazing strength, determination and pride you showed this family. The Jackson legacy would not exist without you. I lost a grandfather but heaven gained The Hawk.

A post shared by Taj Jackson (@tajjackson) on Jun 27, 2018 at 12:09pm PDT

He also slammed those making insensitive remarks about Jackson’s death.

Taj’s wife, Thayana Jackson, offered her condolences.

Grandpa Joe, may God bless your transition. Now you’re gonna be reunited with other loved ones! We know you’ll continue to watch over your family like you did here. It was a privilege to know you and witness how you loved your family and everything you did was so everyone could have a better life. And guess what? You succeed at it. Enormously. Sometimes you were misunderstood by people who didn’t know you or by who believed hateful media click bait headlines, but we know the really loving and caring heart you are. Your smile and drive were inspiring. We all wanted to do our best when you were watching and we will continue to take your life lessons and apply them to our everyday lives. Thank you for everything. The family has made a beautiful difference in this world and they could have not done it without you! God bless your soul. You’re gonna continue to be thought of everyday! We love you forever! #RIPtheHawk

A post shared by Thayana Sco Jackson (@thayanascojackson) on Jun 27, 2018 at 12:35pm PDT

T.J. Jackson, another of Tito’s sons, thanked Joe for protecting his family over the years.

You did the unthinkable. You gave your all (and the prime years of your life) to make sure your kids and your family were a success. Some people will never understand the commitment and love it takes to do what you did. My life could have been so much different if it weren’t for you. I could have been in a gang. I could have a father who was in and out of jail. But I don’t. Why? Because you were plugged into your kids lives and saw a dream that they (or even the world) didn’t know could exist. It took all of your strength to keep your entire family safe from the real dangers in life. You are misjudged but I know who the real you is. And as your grandson I am forever grateful for the strength I have from you. I will always remember what I’ve learned from you. I will always cherish you. Always. I love you grandpa. #ripgrandpa #forevergrateful #pioneer

A post shared by TJ Jackson (@tjjackson9) on Jun 27, 2018 at 11:25am PDT

Aspiring singer Jaafar Jackson, whose father is Jermaine, recognized his grandfather’s legacy.

The start of it all. Rest In Peace grandpa I love you

A post shared by Jaafar Jackson (@jaafarjackson) on Jun 27, 2018 at 11:08am PDT

Another grandchild, Yashi Brown (Rebbie Jackson’s daughter), was thinking, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”

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