Who is Debbie Rowe?
Debbie Rowe is best known as the ex-wife of pop icon Michael Jackson and the mother of two of his children. However, beyond her association with the King of Pop, she has her own unique life story filled with intriguing details.
Born on December 6, 1958, in Spokane, Washington, Debbie was raised in a middle-class family. Her early life was relatively quiet and far from the spotlight. She worked as a nurse at a dermatology clinic in Los Angeles, where she would later meet Michael Jackson.
How Did Debbie Rowe Meet Michael Jackson?
Debbie Rowe met Michael Jackson while working as a nurse at Dr. Arnold Klein’s dermatology clinic. Michael, who frequently visited the clinic for treatment, developed a friendly relationship with Debbie. Their bond grew stronger over the years, with Debbie providing emotional support to the pop star during difficult times.
Their relationship took a significant turn when Michael expressed his deep desire to have children. Debbie, a long-time admirer of Jackson, offered to bear his children, leading to their unexpected marriage in 1996.
Debbie Rowe and Michael Jackson’s Marriage

Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe got married on November 13, 1996, in a private ceremony in Sydney, Australia. Their marriage was unconventional from the start. Many believed that the union was purely an arrangement for the sake of giving Michael children, rather than a romantic relationship.
Despite the speculation, Debbie has always maintained that she genuinely cared for Michael and wanted to help him achieve his dream of fatherhood.
Debbie Rowe’s Children with Michael Jackson
During their three-year marriage, Debbie and Michael had two children:
- Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (Prince Jackson) – Born on February 13, 1997.
- Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson – Born on April 3, 1998.
Following the birth of their second child, Debbie and Michael’s marriage began to deteriorate. In 1999, Debbie filed for divorce, citing that she was not actively involved in raising the children and wanted them to stay with Michael. She gave up her parental rights, although she later fought to regain partial custody after Michael’s death.
Life After Divorce
After divorcing Michael Jackson, Debbie Rowe largely stayed out of the public eye. She received a substantial financial settlement and continued to live a private life in California, away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
However, she occasionally made headlines when she expressed her love for her children and her complicated relationship with Michael. In 2004, she sought to have her parental rights reinstated, leading to a legal battle with Michael Jackson. The case was eventually settled, with Debbie receiving visitation rights to see her children.
Debbie Rowe’s Relationship with Paris Jackson
One of the most talked-about aspects of Debbie Rowe’s life is her relationship with her daughter, Paris Jackson. For many years, Paris had little contact with her mother. However, after Michael Jackson’s tragic death in 2009, the mother and daughter reconnected and started to rebuild their relationship.
Paris has publicly shared her appreciation for her mother, despite their past struggles. In recent years, they have been seen together at various events, proving that their bond has grown stronger over time.
Debbie Rowe’s Battle with Cancer
In 2016, Debbie Rowe was diagnosed with breast cancer. This period was a significant challenge in her life, but she fought bravely through treatment and eventually overcame the disease. During her battle with cancer, her daughter Paris stood by her side, strengthening their bond further.
Debbie later spoke about how her illness brought her closer to Paris and how she found immense support from her loved ones during this difficult time.
Where is Debbie Rowe Now?
Today, Debbie Rowe leads a quiet life away from the media spotlight. She resides in California and prefers to stay out of the public eye, focusing on her personal well-being. Despite her low profile, she remains a notable figure due to her connection with Michael Jackson and her role as the mother of his children.
Conclusion
Debbie Rowe’s life story is filled with unexpected twists and turns. From a humble beginning as a nurse to becoming the wife of the world’s biggest pop star, her journey has been extraordinary. Despite the controversies and public scrutiny, Debbie has remained strong and has played a significant role in the lives of her children.
Her legacy is not just about being Michael Jackson’s ex-wife but also about resilience, motherhood, and personal growth. Though she may no longer be in the spotlight, her story continues to intrigue fans and followers of the Jackson family.