At 81, Diana Ross Finally Opens Up About Michael Jackson… Try Not To Gasp!

At 81, Diana Ross Finally Reveals the Truth About Michael Jackson - YouTube

For decades, the relationship between Diana Ross and Michael Jackson has been the subject of fascination, rumor, and intrigue.

The legendary Motown diva, who mentored and championed Jackson during his early years with the Jackson 5, has remained remarkably private about her bond with the King of Pop.

Their friendship, filled with musical collaboration, mutual respect, and, at times, personal complexity, has been a part of music history that fans and the media have always wondered about.

But at 81, Diana Ross is finally opening up about Michael Jackson in a way she never has before—revealing details that will surely leave you stunned.

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Their story begins in the late 1960s when a young Michael Jackson, still a member of the Jackson 5, was introduced to Diana Ross.

As the star of Motown, Ross was a fixture in the music industry, and her influence was undeniable.

She was already an established icon, known for her powerful voice and stage presence as the lead singer of The Supremes. For Michael, she was not only an idol but a guiding force in his early career.

Diana Ross became his mentor, and their connection was immediate.

Ross herself has spoken many times about being drawn to Michael’s incredible talent and his passion for music.

She saw something extraordinary in him, something that would eventually make him the biggest pop star in the world.

Diana Ross, 81, sparks concern after pulling out of performance | Metro News

“When I first saw Michael, I saw greatness in him,” Diana has said in interviews. “I knew he was going to be something big, something we had never seen before.”

But Michael was not just another protege—he was a young, sensitive boy growing up in a world of intense pressure. Diana’s role in his life went far beyond that of a mentor.

She became a guiding light, someone he could trust, someone who could offer the emotional support he so desperately needed.

The relationship between Diana and Michael, as she recalls it, was one of mutual affection and admiration—though it wasn’t always easy, especially with the media constantly speculating about their dynamic.

Diana Ross and Michael Jackson at the American Music Awards circa... News  Photo - Getty Images

For years, rumors swirled about the nature of their relationship.

While Diana was married and Michael was young, their closeness led to endless speculation, with some believing there was more to their bond than just professional respect.

Diana herself had always avoided discussing the details of their relationship—until now.

In recent interviews, she has opened up about the depth of their connection, shedding light on the complexities of their friendship and what Michael meant to her.

“We had a very special bond,” Diana said, reflecting on their years together.

“Michael was like a little brother to me. He looked up to me, and I, in turn, tried to protect him and guide him through what was a very difficult world for someone as talented and unique as he was.”

Diana Ross Kept Her Outfit From Her Legendary Performance With Michael  Jackson In Her Garage

It’s clear that their relationship went beyond mentor and mentee.

Diana’s motherly instincts kicked in, especially when she witnessed the challenges Michael faced—growing up in the public eye, enduring intense scrutiny from the media, and feeling the pressures of superstardom.

Michael’s own struggles with his identity, especially within the context of race and fame, led him to lean on Diana as a source of comfort and understanding.

For Diana, Michael was not just an artist she worked with, but someone she deeply cared for.

The two of them spent hours together in the studio, creating music and sharing ideas. Michael was always eager to learn from Diana, soaking in her wisdom, and she, in turn, admired his genius.

“Michael was a force of nature,” Ross shared. “He had a way of looking at the world that was so pure. It was inspiring, and I tried to help him navigate that world, but there was so much I couldn’t protect him from.”

MJJ Photos on X

Perhaps the most emotional part of Diana Ross’s reflections on Michael Jackson has been her discussion of his tragic death. Michael passed away on June 25, 2009, from acute propofol intoxication, and his death rocked the world.

For Diana, losing Michael was a deeply personal and painful experience.

In an emotional interview, Diana revealed that she had been in contact with Michael in the days before his death and expressed how difficult it was to watch him struggle with his personal battles.

“He was a part of my life, and I was a part of his,” Diana said through tears.

“When I heard the news, it was like the world stopped. I had seen him at his highest points, and I had seen him at his lowest, and knowing he was gone—just like that—was heartbreaking.”

Diana has never shied away from acknowledging how profoundly Michael’s death affected her.

Michael Jackson On Diana Ross TV Special In 1981 - Michael Jackson Official  Site

She was there for his family, supporting them through the difficult time, and honoring Michael’s memory in a way only someone who had known him so closely could.

Ross paid tribute to him at concerts and public appearances, reflecting on the man she knew and the music they had made together.

Despite the immense sadness, Diana has always spoken of Michael with love and respect.

She has said that she takes comfort in knowing that, during his final years, Michael had found peace and was able to be true to himself.

Diana’s love for him as a friend, mentor, and collaborator is evident in every word she speaks about him, and she remains one of the few people who can speak to the private Michael Jackson, away from the headlines and public personas.

As Diana Ross looks back on her life and career, Michael Jackson remains an integral part of her story.

Diana Ross and Michael Jackson Photographed by Norman Seeff, 1982 ~ Vintage  Everyday

Their connection was one that spanned decades and defied the pressures of the entertainment industry.

Ross’s willingness to speak publicly about their bond not only provides a more intimate view of Michael Jackson, but also gives fans an opportunity to see Diana in a new light—one of profound love and admiration for a man whose genius changed the world.

“I will always cherish the time I had with him,” Diana said, reflecting on their journey together. “Michael will forever be in my heart.”

Diana Ross’s reflections on Michael Jackson bring a sense of closure and clarity to a relationship that, for many, remained a mystery.

Michael Jackson was 'obsessed' with Diana Ross and 'left his kids to her in  his will' | Music | Entertainment | Express.co.uk

It was a relationship built on mutual admiration and shared struggles, one that transcended the typical mentor-protege dynamic.

Through her words, Diana shows us a side of Michael Jackson that few knew—a vulnerable, thoughtful man who trusted her as both a mentor and a friend.

For Diana, Michael Jackson will always be more than just the King of Pop—he will be the young, talented soul she helped guide and loved deeply.

As we look back on their incredible partnership, Diana Ross’s openness brings Michael’s memory to life in a way that only those closest to him can.

And for fans who longed for insight into their unique connection, Diana’s words offer a glimpse into a powerful, unforgettable bond.

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