On This Day in 2009: 200 Guests Gathered to Celebrate Michael Jackson’s Life and Career

Michael Jackson passed in August of 2009. Two months later, Jackson was the tragic subject of one of Hollywood’s most historic funerals. Despite his death, his funeral is something to be celebrated. The memorial service was a homage to Jackson’s life and career. Furthermore, it was a private event with 200 of the entertainment industry’s greatest in attendance.

Held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California. Much of Hollywood came to celebrate Jackson, as ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Mila Kunis, and Macaulay Culkin were just some notable names in attendance. The King of Pop was celebrated in death the same way he was in life—with resounding praise for his illustrious years on this Earth.

Michael Jackson’s Private Final Resting Place

Forest Lawn Cemetery is a private burial ground known for being the final resting place of Hollywood’s elite. Clark Gabel, Walt Disney, Sammy Davis Jr., and Nat King Cole are just a few of the icons sharing the space with Jackson. The cemetery is as exclusive as it gets.

Matter of fact, the funeral itself was incredibly exclusive as well. According to NPR, the Federal Aviation Administration restricted the airspace in hopes of stopping any media helicopters flying overhead. Additionally, police barricades sat at the cemetery’s entrance, blocking dozens of fans from catching a glimpse of the service. The event sits in stark contrast to his public memorial service in July, as the televised event had over 2.5 billion viewers worldwide.

A Family Affair

Outside of the celebrities in attendance, Jackson’s family were the main figures of the service. First off, a motorcade of several black SUVs drove his family to the entrance to perform their duties. Subsequently, Jackson’s five brothers acted as the pallbearers and his three children placed a crown upon his casket before the burial. The final moment further signifies Jackson as the unquestioned “King of Pop.”

Jackson’s eldest daughter, Paris, left a tear-jerking remark saying Jackson was “the best father I could imagine,” per Time. Paris was only 11 years old when she gave the remark. The conclusion of Jackson’s life was decadent and sorrowful. However, the death of The King of Pop proves that his likeness and work remain a staple in American pop culture to this day. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the death of the one and only, Michael Jackson. He would have turned 65 this year.

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