Zeenews Bureau
Los Angeles, July 01: Michael Jackson's 2002 will was filed in court Wednesday, giving his entire estate to a family trust and cutting out his former wife Debbie Rowe.
The will stated that in the event that his mother was unable to take care of the children, Jackson wanted Diana Ross to look after them. The will, dated July 7, 2002, estimated his estate at that time at more than $500 million.
The will, dated July 7, 2002, estimated his estate at that time at more than $500 million.
It also names entertainer Diana Ross as a successor guardian for the children and their estates if something happens to Katherine Jackson.
Ross introduced the Jackson 5 on the Ed Sullivan Show in the late 1960s and was instrumental in launching their career. She was a lifelong friend of Michael Jackson.
According to the will, all of Jackson's assets have been left to the Michael Jackson Family Trust. It was filed with a separate petition that estimates the value of his estate at more than $500 million, primarily comprised of his half share of a music publishing catalog that holds the rights to more than 250 Beatles' songs, as well as other music.
The will was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court as feverish preparations were underway at Jackson's Neverland home some 200 km away for a public viewing Friday and a private memorial Sunday.
’Died of inner melancholy’
Michael Jackson, adored by
millions of fans as 'King of Pop', often cried in private
because he believed that no one loved him, the singer's former
manager has revealed.
Dieter Wiesner, who managed the 'Thriller' star from
1996-2003 said that Jackson suffered from "inner melancholy"
and it all began in 1993 when he was first accused of child
molestation.
Michael Jackson's public viewing in Neverland
The legions of Michael
Jackson fans who have collected in Los Angeles from around the
world will get a chance to pay their final tributes to their
idol during the public viewing of King of Pop's body that will
be held at his fantasy themed abode, 'Neverland' ranch.
Jackson's body will be taken to the ranch, north of
Santa Barbara, California, on Thursday in preparation for
viewing Friday and a private memorial service will take place
on Sunday, reported CNN.
Planning is under way for a 30-car motorcade carrying
Jackson's remains to leave the Los Angeles area on Thursday
for Santa Barbara County, a law enforcement official said.
Jackson begged for sedatives: Nurse
Michael Jackson
suffered from severe insomnia and reportedly begged for
powerful sedatives months before his death, a nurse, who
worked for the singer has claimed.
Cherilyn Lee, a registered nurse, said Jackson begged
for the medicines despite knowing their side-effects as the
singer struggled to sleep.
Lee first met Jackson in January this year to treat
his children for a common cold and she claims that she
rejected his requests for Diprivan and informed him of the
side effects.
"I told him this medication is not safe. He said, 'I
just want to get some sleep. You don't understand. I just want
to be able to be knocked out and go to sleep.' I told him 'If
you take this you might not wake up,'" Lee told CNN in an
interview.