Diana Ross named as guardian in Michael Jackson's will
Michael Jackson named Diana Ross guardian to his three children in his last will, in the event that his 80-year-old mother is unable or unwilling to.
In the five-page document, which was lodged at an LA court yesterday, Jackson named his mother, Katherine, as the guardian of his children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, known as Blanket.
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But he named fellow music legend Diana Ross as his second choice to be their guardian.
The pair's friendship dated back to the 60s, when they worked together on the Tamla Motown record labels.
Ross said of his passing: 'My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.'
He states his marriage to Debbie Rowe, the mother of his first two children, to be 'dissolved', and categorically states he does not want her to receive a penny from his fortune.
He wrote: 'I have intentionally omitted to provide for my former wife.'
The Thriller star left the bulk of his fortune – estimated to be £303 million when the will was written on 7 July 2002 – to his family trust.
His mother is named as the beneficiary of the Michael Jackson Family Trust, with assets going to his children and a number of charities, too.
According to US reports, there is no mention in the trust of his father, Joe.
Meanwhile, fans and reporters began to gather outside Jackson's Neverland ranch last night, as reports suggested his body will go on display there on Saturday, ahead of his funeral on Sunday.
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