Debbie Rowe, the former wife of pop icon Michael Jackson and mother of his eldest children, Prince and Paris, was recently seen in Los Angeles. She kept a discreet appearance, dressed casually and wearing sunglasses. Her outing coincides with renewed public attention following the release of Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson, a follow-up documentary revisiting past allegations of abuse involving the late superstar.
Rowe, once a nurse, married Jackson in 1996 and later divorced him in 1999. During their marriage, she served as a surrogate and eventually granted Jackson full custody of their children. Years later, when Paris turned fifteen, she reconnected with her daughter. In interviews, Paris has described their bond as more like a friendship, largely built around their mutual love of music. She’s also been open about the emotional toll of losing her father and the identity struggles she faced in her youth. Over time, however, Rowe and Paris have built a solid and supportive relationship.
Beyond her role as a mother, Rowe has also been part of Jackson’s complex personal history. She worked for his dermatologist, Dr. Arnold Klein, known for prescribing Jackson numerous medications. In a recent documentary, Rowe became emotional while expressing guilt over her indirect involvement in Jackson’s struggle with addiction—an issue that ultimately led to his fatal cardiac arrest in 2009.
As Leaving Neverland stirs public curiosity again, those once close to Jackson, including Rowe, find themselves drawn back into the spotlight. Although her current life has little to do with the film, Rowe remains tied to Jackson’s legacy by association. The ongoing discussions surrounding Jackson’s private life make it difficult for his former inner circle to escape public scrutiny.
Today, Rowe seems focused on a quieter life, prioritizing her family and strengthening her connection with Paris. Her avoidance of public attention and her emotional reflections on the past suggest a woman who has found some peace. Despite her complex history with one of pop culture’s most controversial figures, Rowe appears to be grounded in personal growth and a renewed focus on family.
