Joe Jackson’s Granddaughter Shares Final Moments With Him In Powerful Instagram Photo

“RIP The Hawk,” Writes Granddaughter Paris Jackson

Just days after marking the 9th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death, the Jackson family is in mourning once more.

Joseph Jackson, patriarch to one of the greatest showbiz families in history, died yesterday at the age of 89 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. The Jackson family knew it was coming and in the days prior to his death indicated that Joseph’s days were winding down; at one point, there was even an update to his personal Twitter account that let everyone know he’d made his peace with what was to come.

“I have seen more sunsets than I have left to see. The sun rises when the time comes and whether you like it or not the sun sets when the time comes,” read the caption on a photo of Joseph looking toward a sunset.

Tributes to Joseph rolled in throughout the day. Daughter LaToya shared a video of Joseph presenting her with a painting he’d done himself, while grandsons Taj and TJ hailed him for his strength and the vision that propelled the Jackson family into stardom, leaving behind their humble Gary, Indiana roots for the California coast and fame beyond their wildest dreams.

But it was granddaughter Paris whose tribute to Joseph hit the hardest. Paris, 20, took to Instagram to share a photo of her final moments with him, holding hands as he took his final breath.

Just 11 when her father, Michael Jackson, died in 2009, Paris knows all too well the importance of those final moments with a loved one. Michael died before she had the chance to tell him everything she ever wanted him to know, and to be able to have that moment with her grandfather is nothing short of absolutely precious.

“RIP The HAWK,” wrote Paris. “Joseph Jackson. Spending those last few moments with you were everything. Being able to tell you everything I needed to tell you before saying goodbye was such a blessing. Everyone that came to visit you, came with love, respect, and so much pride in their hearts for you. Proud of you, proud to be your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, proud to have your strength and share the dynasty you spent your life creating, and proud to be a Jackson.”

The 20-year-old went on to detail her final moments with Joseph, promising to “keep telling your story, over and over” before thanking him and telling him that she would see him in her dreams, “very very soon”.

Our hearts go out to Paris and the rest of the Jackson family as they prepare to lay Joseph to rest.