Paris Jackson Shares How She Coped With "Hard Times" Before Sobriety

Jul 11, 2026 - 04:12

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Paris Jackson Shares How She Coped With "Hard Times" Before Sobriety

Paris Jackson Shares How She Coped With "Hard Times" in Her Life Before Sobriety

For Paris Jackson, music is a lifeline.

The 28-year-old got vulnerable about how the art form that made her dad Michael Jackson famous helped her through her addiction before she got sober six years ago.

"That was kind of the only thing that got me through the hard times before I got sober, was music," Paris said during a Vogue Beauty Secrets vlog July 10. "When I got sober, it helped me be like, 'Oh wow, music really is everything. It really is like the air I breathe.'"

And while being a musician runs in her family tree, Paris admitted that she was afraid to embrace that performing was her "primary purpose" outside of giving back to others.

"I was pretty scared to start doing music because I've kind of been playing guitar since I was 13 or 14," Paris explained. "And I just suppressed it as a hobby."

So what caused the model to overcome her fears to pursue a career as a studio artist?

"In my like early 20s, I was like, 'I can't do this anymore. It's what makes me happy, and I just have to do that,'" Paris shared. "Especially because this was before I figured out all the other things that made me happy.”

As she explained, rock climbing, hanging out with friends and working on her photography skills also helped her get through "some rough patches” in life.

The hobbies ultimately allowed Paris, daughter of Michael's second wife Debbie Rowe, to cope with her struggles before she got sober in 2020, a milestone she celebrated in January 2025.

Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

"Hi, i'm pk and i'm an alcoholic and a heroin addict. today marks 5 years clean & sober from all drugs and alcohol," Paris captioned a video showing her transformation after her recovery, including singing on stage. "To say that i’m thankful would be a poor euphemism. gratitude hardly scratches the surface. it’s because i’m sober that i get to smile today."

In addition to playing with her pets and experiencing heartbreak, Paris expressed gratitude for another major gift of overcoming dependency. As the "bandaid" singer said, "I get to make music."

And Paris isn't the only one keeping her dad's legacy alive. Keep reading for a look at the latest with Paris and her siblings, Prince, 29, and Blanket, 24.

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Thriller Night

Michael Jackson's eldest son Prince Jackson (second from left) joined uncle Marlon Jackson, cousin Jaafar Jackson and his dad's siblings Jackie Jackson, La Toya Jackson and Jermaine Jackson at the April 20, 2026 premiere of Michael in Los Angeles.

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

Not alone

Bigi Jackson (second from right) was here with older brother Prince and uncles Marlon and Jackie at Michael's April 10, 2026 showing in Berlin.

Prince Jackson/Instagram

The Way She Makes Him Feel

Molly Schirmang is very much Prince's lover. Announcing their engagement in August 2025, Prince reflected on their eight years together. "Molly and I have spent a lot of time together and made incredible memories," he wrote on Instagram. "We’ve traveled the world, graduated and grown so much together. I’m excited for this next chapter in our lives as we continue to grow and make great memories."

Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images

Rare Red Carpet Appearance

Paris Jackson joined brothers Prince and Bigi at the opening night of MJ: The Musical in March 2024.

Instagram / Prince Jackson

Winning Moves

After making his directorial and screenwriting debut with his short film Rochelles, Bigi turned up to the Santa Monica Film Festival in February 2024 with brother Prince and some friends to accept the award for Best Drama.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Happy Halloween

Prince and Bigi appeared at their family's annual Thriller Night celebration in 2022.

Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic

Diamond Birthday Celebration

Prince and Paris attended the August 2018 Michael Jackson Diamond Birthday Celebration at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

All Glammed Up

Prince and Paris made it a family night out at the 2022 Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala at Los Angeles' Beverly Hilton in August 2022.

YouTube

Brother & Sister

Proving he's always in her heart, Paris appeared with Prince in a 2021 YouTube video.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Brothers' Night Out

Jackson brothers, assemble. A hockey jersey-clad Prince and Bigi (in a Captain America shirt) attended the family's annual Thriller Night celebration in 2019.

Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic

Strike a Pose

A costumed Paris and Prince posed at his October 2017 costume party at the Jackson family estate.

Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

Sibling Love

Walking hand-in-hand, Prince and Paris attended the October 2017 mothers2mothers and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Benefit Dinner in Beverly Hills, Calif.

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Family Photo

"It was an honor," Prince wrote on Instagram of attending cousin Siggy Jackson's September 2017 wedding with Paris.

VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images

Step and Repeat

The trio of siblings arrived at the January 2012 Cirque du Soleil production, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour in Los Angeles.

Mark Sullivan/WireImage

Hand in Hand

Prince and Paris put their best foot forward at a January 2012 hand and footprint ceremony at Graumann's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles.

Mark Sullivan/WireImage

Honoring Dad

Bigi, Prince and Paris sat together for the ceremony.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Meet the Press

Returning to their dad's roots, Prince and Paris posed at the August 2012 press conference for the Goin' Back To Indiana: Can You Feel It tour in Gary, Ind.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Seventh Inning Stretch

During that same trip to Michael's hometown, Paris and Prince watched the Gary SouthShore RailCats take on the St. Paul Saints.

MARK J. TERRILL/AFP/Getty Images

Remembering Dad

Attending Michael's July 2009 memorial service at L.A.'s Staples Center, the siblings leaned on one another.

Instagram