Who will get custody of Michael Jackson’s three children? Temporary custody has been granted to Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine Jackson. But since Katherine is almost eighty years old, there are doubts that a judge would give permanent custody to some one – even a loving blood relative- full permanent custody who is of such an advanced age.

There has been speculation that another Jackson family member, a younger family member, may be deemed worthy. There have been reports that the birth mother of two of the children – Debbie Rowe -would seek custody but have since been found to be false. Another hat that has been tossed into the potential parenting ring is that of the Jackson ex-nanny  – Grace Rwaramba.

Although Grace is not a blood relative she could be considered a ‘defacto’ parent  and a judge may  grant her the title of guardian.  The best interest of the children is always the most important and if there is someone who they consider a ‘parent’ – then they could be deemed worthy of guardianship.

So who is Grace Rwaramba?  The 42-year-old nanny has known the three children their entire lives. Originally, the Ugandan born Grace was Michael’s secretary, a position she held for five years and she took on the role as nanny to Michael’s kids for the last twelve years. But six months ago Grace was fired.  The erratic Michael has fired and then re-hired Grace multiple times and her absence was felt by the children to called her “mom.”

Reports have come out that Katherine Jackson called Grace after Jackson’s death and said the children were ‘crying’ for her.  But when Grace asked to speak to the children she was allegedly told they were asleep (another source said Katherine called just to find the location of the money Michael kept hidden in the house). Post life with Michael Jackson, Grace has founded and is the director of the World Accountability for Humanity, a charity that aims to improve the lives of the disadvantaged.
Grace was introduced to Michael by Deepak Chopra and she is still very close to the Chopra family.

Mallika Chopra posted on her site Intent.com that “Grace is more than my best friend – I refer to her as my sister, and she thinks of my parents as her own (she actually calls my father papa).”  Mallika was very upset about the recent article that was in the British Times Online (who has since taken the piece down from their site) about Grace and came to her defense in her rebuttal entitled “Bloodsuckers and the World of Michael Jackson.”

Currently Grace is the founder and director of World Accountability for Humanity, a charity that aims to improve the lives of the disadvantaged.”  Hopefully regardless of who gets custody of the children, Grace – one of the only stable forces in their world – will still have a place in their futures.

UPDATE: Grace – after all the media’s speculation about her and mostly in response to allegations that she routinely pumped Jackson’s stomach after he’d ingest to many drugs-  has released a statement addressing the gossip, her loss of a dear friend and her condolences to the children.

“Michael Jackson was an exceptional Human Being. He was gifted, deeply compassionate and brought joy to the lives of so many. He loved his family dearly, and above all, his beautiful children.

In addition to being my employer over the past 17 years and entrusting the care of his beloved children to me, he was my dear friend. While our friendship had challenges, as do all friendships, he was loyal to the end. I cherish and honor his memory.

I am shocked, hurt and deeply saddened by recent statements the press has attributed to me, in particular, the outrageous and patently false claim that I “routinely pumped his stomach after he had ingested a dangerous combination of drugs”. I don’t even know how to pump a stomach!! In addition, I have never spoken to the Times Online, the original source of the story that has now been picked up worldwide. The statements attributed to me confirm the worst in human tendencies to sensationalize tragedy and smear reputations for profit.

I convey my heartfelt and deepest condolences to Prince, Paris, Blanket and the entire Jackson family. The pain and sorrow I feel over the loss of Michael pales in comparison to what has been taken from them forever.”

- Grace Rwaramba

Here is Michael and Grace shopping at a Disney store. Craziness.

Do you think Grace getting custody is a possibility?

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