Michael's death 'tears mother apart'
FEARS were growing last night over the health of Michael Jackson’s grief-stricken mother, Katherine, after it was revealed she is being monitored round the clock by private nurses, writes Mike Parker.
The Jackson family matriarch, 79, suffered a stroke four years ago, is diabetic and has high blood pressure. A close source said yesterday: “She now requires oxygen and has been so weak since Michael died she can barely walk unaided.”
Katherine is due in Los Angeles Superior Court tomorrow where she will learn if she can legally challenge her son’s 2002 will but the friend added: “This pressure is tearing her apart physically and emotionally.
“At her age and in her fragile state of health, more exertion could trigger another stroke. She has full time nursing care but the strain is visibly taking its toll.”
Katherine last week won permanent legal custody of her grandchildren Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, also known as “Blanket”, after her lawyers agreed a deal which grants Jackson’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe visitation rights.
Tomorrow she faces a key hearing in the legal battle over her son’s estimated $500 million estate, which is being administered by John Branca, his lawyer and close friend, former music executive John McClain.
Katherine is aware of a clause in the will that stipulates any beneficiaries who challenge it will be excluded completely.
