Michael Jackson’s Children Share the Ritual He Always Performed Before Taking the Stage — and the Meaning Behind His Final “Thank You” Gesture

More than a decade after Michael Jackson’s passing, his children continue to offer intimate insights into the man behind the legend — the devoted father, the passionate artist, and the gentle soul who lived through his music. In a recent heartfelt interview, Prince, Paris, and Bigi Jackson revealed a touching ritual their father never missed before stepping onto a stage, along with the profound meaning behind his final “thank you” gesture, a moment that fans are only now beginning to fully appreciate.

“He’d close his eyes and whisper, ‘For love,’” Paris recalled softly. “Every single time before he went out there.”

For Michael, those simple words were much more than a routine—they were a grounding mantra. No matter the size of the audience or the chaos behind the scenes, he would find a quiet moment, place his hand over his heart, and whisper those words under his breath.

Prince added, “He told us once that if you don’t perform for love, you’re just making noise. That was his reminder — that every moonwalk, every lyric, every beat had to come from something pure.”

The siblings explained that this ritual began during the Thriller era, a time when fame reached unprecedented heights and the pressure was immense. Yet, despite the overwhelming expectations, Michael always insisted that love — not perfection or fame — was his true motivation.

“He’d say, ‘The crowd doesn’t need to see your fear. They need to feel your heart,’” Bigi shared.

One of the most moving revelations came with the story behind Michael’s final “thank you” gesture, witnessed during rehearsals for his This Is It concert series. After each rehearsal, those close to him recall he would bow slightly, placing his hand over his chest and whispering something quietly — words that were often difficult to discern.

Now, his children have shared what he was saying.
“He was saying, ‘Thank you… for love,’” Paris explained. “That was his way of giving back — to the dancers, the crew, everyone who helped bring the music to life.”

This simple act, they say, captured the essence of who Michael Jackson truly was: an artist who, amid the noise and fame, remained deeply connected to his humanity.

“Dad wasn’t chasing applause,” Prince added. “He was chasing connection. He believed music was love in motion.”

His children carry that same philosophy into their own lives. Paris, now pursuing her own musical path, admits she whispers the same words before going on stage.
“It’s how I feel close to him,” she said. “It’s like he’s still there, reminding me why we do what we do.”

For fans worldwide, this touching glimpse into Michael Jackson’s final years and his heartfelt rituals offers a new understanding of the King of Pop’s legacy. Every time he stood beneath the lights, hand on heart and eyes closed, it wasn’t about fame, fear, or legacy — it was always, as his children say, “for love.”