Michael Jackson may have left the world 15 years ago, but his presence lingered powerfully when his eldest son, Prince, shared the news of his engagement. The 28-year-old chose to honour his father in a gesture as subtle as it was poignant: the soundtrack to his announcement was Jackson’s 1987 ballad I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.
This wasn’t an accident. It was Prince making sure that when he marked this milestone with longtime partner Molly Schirmang, his father’s voice was there with him. On Instagram, he posted a carousel of celebratory photos, including moments with his grandmother Katherine Jackson, before captioning: “8 years down [infinity] to go.” He expanded: “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. I love you babs.”
The announcement wasn’t simply romantic, it was an act of continuity. Prince is the eldest of Michael’s three children, alongside Paris and Bigi, and the three have often emphasised that their father’s legacy is not only artistic, but familial. That truth was reinforced here, both in the choice of song and in the imagery of family gathered around him.
Prince has built a reputation outside of his surname, often promoting the charitable work of the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, and is also involved in producing Michael, the long-delayed biopic that will star his cousin Jaafar Jackson. The project has been dogged by delays but is currently scheduled for an April 2026 release.
And yet, in this personal announcement, the pop culture spectacle fades. Instead, the focus is on a son, a fiancée, and a late father whose voice, literally, accompanied them into the next chapter of their lives.
