Prince Jackson stepped into the Las Vegas spotlight over the weekend to honor his late father, Michael Jackson, on what would have been the King of Pop’s 68th birthday. The 29-year-old made a rare public appearance at Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE show, joining fans who gathered for an impromptu birthday tribute.
Video footage obtained by Page Six shows Prince raising his hand on the count of three before the crowd shouted, “Happy birthday, Michael!” He kept things casual for the outing - wearing a black baseball cap backward and a black shirt - and seemed to be in good spirits as he chatted with attendees, mingled with fans and even signed a few autographs.
The scene at the theater had that Las Vegas mix of spectacle and sincere fandom - a room full of people remembering Michael through music and memory. Prince’s presence added an intimate, family touch to the celebration.
"Seeing fans celebrate my dad like that reminded me why his music still brings people together," Prince Jackson said, visibly moved by the tribute.
Michael Jackson was the father of three children - Prince, daughter Paris Jackson, 28, and youngest son Bigi Jackson, 24. Each child has kept a different relationship with the public spotlight, but all of them remain connected to their father’s legacy.
Prince and Paris were born to Michael and his former wife Debbie Rowe. The couple tied the knot in 1996 and their marriage ended three years later in 1999. Those early family details are a key part of how the Jackson kids have navigated fame and privacy as they’ve grown up.
Earlier this year, Prince found a subtle way to honor his dad on the red carpet. At the Los Angeles premiere of the Michael Jackson biopic in April, the eldest Jackson child wore a red armband sewn from fabric taken from one of Michael’s signature red corduroy shirts.
The armband was part of a suit created by Michael Bush, Michael Jackson’s longtime costume designer. Prince explained to ABC News that the armband used the same type of fabric his father frequently favored, noting the sentimental meaning it carried from childhood hugs and family memories.
Prince doesn’t often make public appearances, but he does step out for important family moments. In 2024 he was seen alongside Paris, Bigi, aunt La Toya Jackson and uncle Marlon Jackson at the funeral of their uncle Tito Jackson, showing how the family rallies at key times.
Beyond appearances, Prince remains involved with projects that protect and share his father’s story. He served as an executive producer on the biographical film Michael, released in 2026, which explores the life and career of the legendary performer.
Prince has been open about how he feels his father has been perceived by the public. In interviews he’s pushed back on misunderstood narratives and emphasized the person behind the headlines.
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at age 50. The official cause of death was acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which resulted in cardiac arrest. Even years after his passing, Prince continues to carry his father’s memory forward in subtle and public ways.
Prince has also reflected on the idea of remembrance in past interviews, saying that celebrating loved ones helps keep their presence alive in our lives. That perspective seems to be what guided his decision to quietly join fans in Vegas this weekend.