Michael Jackson's younger sister Janet Jackson has expressed her desire to raise his three children as she has forged a close bond with them since the pop star's sudden demise.
Janet, 43, who is the most successful of her siblings after Jackson, has become a mother figure to Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old "Blanket", Sun online reported quoting family sources.
"Janet has said, 'I love them and I'll step forward and raise them if this is what they want' She tells everyone she loves them as if they were her own," the source said. Janet was the one who encouraged Jackson's daughter Paris to speak at his memorial.
"The children have chosen her as their confidante and mother figure, and Janet feels her place is at their side. She's completely bonded with those children in the last two weeks.
"It's clear to everyone that they are looking to her for comfort and guidance. Janet is blossoming as a woman with tremendous maternal instincts," said the source. Paris threw her arms around Janet after her emotional speech at Jackson's memorial.
Jackson's 79-year-old mother Katherine Jackson has been awarded the temporary guardianship of the three children by court. A further hearing is scheduled for later this month, which will also be attended by Jackson's ex-wife and mother of his two children, Debbie Rowe.
Rowe has not yet made any formal application for custody, but on Friday launched a lawsuit against a supposed pal who claimed she was willing to give up the kids in return for money.
