For decades, Katherine Jackson, the mother of Michael Jackson, remained a quiet, dignified presence in the shadows of her famous family. As the matriarch of the Jackson dynasty, she witnessed the meteoric rise of her son Michael, the King of Pop, and endured the heartbreak of his decline under public scrutiny.

Now, at 95 years old, Katherine has decided to speak out, sharing deeply personal insights into Michael’s misunderstood legacy, his spirituality, and the pain he endured.

In a rare interview conducted at the Jackson family compound, Katherine opened up about her son’s life, offering a perspective few have ever heard. “Michael was misunderstood,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “That’s what hurt me more than anything.”

Katherine’s recollections of Michael paint a picture of a man far different from the tabloid caricature the world often saw. She spoke of a son who would call her after performances to ask, “Did I do okay, mother?” A boy who cried at his brother’s bedside when he was sick, and a man who fasted and prayed in private.

She described Michael as a deeply spiritual person, rooted in the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the faith in which she raised him. Though he distanced himself from the denomination later in life, his belief in God and his commitment to helping others never wavered. “He was spiritual. He believed deeply in doing good, in uplifting others,” Katherine shared.

One of the most surprising revelations Katherine shared was Michael’s influence on transforming Las Vegas into a family-friendly destination. She revealed that Michael had been approached by Steve Wynn during a time when Las Vegas was struggling to attract families. Michael’s vision was clear: create attractions that would draw parents and children alike.

From the erupting volcano at the Mirage to the pirate ship battles at Treasure Island, Katherine believes Michael’s ideas helped shape the modern Las Vegas Strip. “He didn’t care about getting credit,” she said. “He just wanted people to feel like magic was real again.”

Michael’s creative dreams extended even further. Katherine recounted his plans for a massive indoor dome where children could experience artificial snow, enchanted forests, and storytelling animatronics. Though these ideas were never fully realized, they highlight Michael’s unique ability to imagine worlds that inspired wonder and joy.

Katherine also shed light on Michael’s spiritual journey, which was often misunderstood by the public. Despite stepping away from the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Michael continued to practice private forms of worship and sought spiritual grounding throughout his life.

“He believed God gave him a gift, and it was his duty to share it,” Katherine said. His acts of charity—donating millions to children’s hospitals, disaster relief efforts, and education initiatives—were more than generosity. They were expressions of his deep sense of purpose and faith.

Of all the reflections Katherine shared, none were as poignant as her thoughts on how the world treated her son. “They called him Wacko Jacko,” she said bitterly. “But Michael was not what everyone made him out to be.”

She described a boy who felt deeply, who gave quietly, and who was often hurt by the cruelty of fame. From paying hospital bills to funding funerals for strangers, Michael’s kindness was rarely acknowledged. Instead, the world focused on sensational headlines and courtroom battles, starving his humanity in favor of spectacle.

Katherine also addressed the complex relationship between Michael and his father, Joseph Jackson. While Joseph’s strict discipline was often criticized, Katherine offered a nuanced perspective, acknowledging both the pain it caused and the reconciliation that followed.

“Michael forgave his father,” she said. “He understood that even flawed love could be rooted in intention.” Despite the scars of his childhood, Michael chose to support his father in later years, offering financial and emotional assistance.

Now, Katherine is determined to protect her son’s legacy from decades of distortion. “They lied about him so many times,” she said. “He was just misunderstood.”

For Katherine, Michael’s story is not one of scandal or superstardom. It’s the story of a man who lived with purpose, fought private battles, and never stopped caring. “I believe I will see my son again,” she said. “And I’m praying for that day.”

As Katherine Jackson speaks out, she reminds the world of the humanity behind the icon. Michael Jackson wasn’t just the King of Pop—he was a son, a father, and a man who believed in creating magic, spreading kindness, and staying true to his values.