OK!: Michael Jackson kids want to live with Janet Jackson

I think most of us are a little tired with the epic coverage of everything vaguely related to Michael Jackson. The weird thing is that I don’t think I’m alone in believing many of the most scandalous stories, especially if it’s about Debbie Rowe, Joe Jackson, or the money.

Since Michael died, and especially since last week’s memorial service attended by MJ’s kids, I have been thinking too much about what is going to happen to those poor children. I find myself saying quick little prayers for Prince, Paris and Blanket whenever I’m reading about the latest hourly scandal.

Since Michael died, I’ve written several times about my hope that Janet Jackson is the one to step up and really fight for the kids’ best interests, and fight for custody.

Someone at OK! might have been listening, because this week’s cover story is tailor-made for me. OK! claims that Prince, Paris and Blanket all really want to live with Janet.

I guess the assumption is that the kids never spent that much time with Aunt Janet before now, but they’ve grown very connected and “bonded” in the past few weeks. OK! points out that Katherine Jackson (the temporary caregiver, and MJ’s choice for custody) is 79 years old, and that caring for three young children would most likely leave her exhausted after a short time. Team Janet:

While Michael Jackson’s mom, Katherine Jackson continues to fend off Debbie Rowe over the issue of custody for the late King of Pop’s kids, it’s Michael’s sister Janet Jackson who has emerged in the eyes of many as the favored caregiver for the three children. And, sources tell OK!, that appears to be just what Prince, Paris and Blanket want most.

“All three want Janet to read to them at night,” a Jackson family friend says. “They just melt into her arms when she walks into the house.”

The feeling is mutual, adds the insider.

“Janet has completely bonded with those children in the last two weeks,” the friend continues. “She has been their rock. It’s clear to everyone that they are looking to her for comfort and guidance.”

Michael’s will names his mother, Katherine as the children’s guardian, but Debbie, the biological mother of the eldest kids, has expressed interest in raising them. All three currently live at Katherine’s Encino, Calif. home.

“They are doing great. Mom and Janet are taking care of them,” Michael’s brother Jackie tells OK!.

One concern raised is that at 79, caring for three kids might be too much for Katherine, a problem eased by Janet’s presence.

“Janet is not only willing to raise those children, she is also the only relative who knows how to protect them,” the insider tells OK!. “Janet knows the value of a private life and knows how to keep her personal life out of the news. She is determined to do that for Michael’s children. She is saying that he would want no less for them, pointing out how far he went to shelter them.”

From OK! Magazine:

That last paragraph is why I’ve always thought Janet should get custody – it’s not that Janet isn’t as screwed up as the other Jacksons, it’s just that she seems the most well-adjusted to the insanity. And she is intensely private – people didn’t know she was married for years until she got a divorce. Janet would totally be capable – financially, emotionally, structurally – of taking care of those kids and keeping them away from prying eyes. Even though I’m not sure if this is true, I’m really hoping it is.