Rev. Jackson: I'll Remember Michael's Joy

Says Jackson Family Hasn't Had Many Opportunities To Mourn Singer's Death

(CBS)  One of the first people to speak out on behalf of the Jackson family just after Michael died was longtime friend and adviser, the Rev. Jesse Jackson. He appeared on The Early Show Tuesday to talk about the King of Pop.

Asked if the Jackson family has had a chance yet to really mourn Michael's death, the Rev. Jackson told co-anchor Harry Smith, "No, not very much. The good news is that a strong and a big family, and very religious centered. The grand matriarch of the family, Katherine Jackson for example. Mrs. Jackson was speaking to her kids 'I've lost my son, I've lost my baby. Michael was a good boy.' They trusted each other. That's why he bequeathed the will to her."

"But they didn't hear from the doctor. And the coroner didn't hear from the doctor. And he didn't sign the death certificate. His car was impounded. There was a lawyer some of then in part it becomes an investigation. So that dimension took them far afield," he added.

---

Complete coverage of Jackson's life and death

---

"And the police are knocking on the door with a search warrant," Smith pointed out.

"Knocking on the doors, and then as I said, in part becomes an investigation. Then the custody of the children, his mega business empire. All of that just kept expanding," Jackson explained.

"What does the family want to get out of today?" Smith asked.

"One level to get this part over because there is so much to be done. The people's response to Michael must be gratifying. Given the hits he took the last ten years, to see Michael appreciated, and the Jacksons appreciated. We are focusing on the glamour of Hollywood, but the family, 11 people. The boys and their parents in one room. The girls in another bedroom. Out of that comes with a praying mother, she made all of their uniforms. A father, who was a welder and print operator, teaching dance and music at night and out of that tight family, becomes the number one musical family in the whole world. Out of that came a structure and family values, and I think that what happened in that household is really to be praised," Jackson said.

Finally, asked if he ever saw anything during his encounters with Michael Jackson that would leave him to believe there was credence in any of sordid allegations against him, the reverend said, "No. We spent tough times together, like during the Neverland crisis, and he restructured his business, spent a lot of private time together. And his strong business vision. A lot of the stuff that's out, I miss that. I am glad I did. Because I found in Michael a good mind, lots of joy, and I'll remember him for his music and for his joy."