Music legend Michael Jackson has remained just as popular in death, as he was in life. When the iconic star passed away on June 25th, 2009, it shocked the world. For many who are old enough to remember, they can recall vividly where they were when they learned that Jackson had unexpectedly died.

On July 7th, less than a month after he passed away, Michael Jackson was honored in a televised memorial service. Millions of fans around the world watched the emotional service. Jackson’s golden casket was on display, covered by a beautiful rose bouquet. After Jackson’s service, it was reported that the legendary artist was laid to rest at one of California’s most prestigious and secretive cemeteries. However, rumors spread that Jackson may have been quietly cremated.

Was Michael Jackson Secretly Cremated?

Michael Jackson was larger than life. Earning his fame as a child, Jackson was in the spotlight for the vast majority of his life. From leading the Motown group, the Jackson 5, to cultivating one of the most impressive solo careers in music history, Jackson was an unprecedented artist.
Jackson’s “Thriller” is regarded as one of the best-selling albums ever, and helped the iconic performer reinvent himself from a teen idol to an adult superstar. Despite Jackson’s worldwide fame and continuous relevance throughout his career, his life was full of controversy and mystery. In Jackson’s final years, he prioritized privacy. The last album to be released in his lifetime was in 2001, according to Albumism. Interestingly, however, Jackson was planning a comeback in his final months, with a residency scheduled in London, England.

When Jackson suddenly passed away, it was beyond hard for fans to believe. Some felt like they lost a member of their own families. Considering Jackson’s fame as well as the controversies that surrounded him in his later years, it was not surprising that his family was extra cautious and protective of his remains. His casket was not even supposed to be present at his memorial service, but did make an appearance, according to Rolling Stone.

In September 2009, it was reported that Jackson was finally laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California in a locked mausoleum. Forest Lawn is known to be a strict cemetery that discourages fans from visiting their favorite deceased entertainers.

Jackson’s family’s decision to protect his remains makes complete sense. The graves of artists such as Elvis Presley and Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd reportedly received unwelcomed visitors who attempted to steal their remains. Presley’s attempted grave robbery eventually caused his father to move his and his mother’s remains to Graceland.
Even though Jackson’s Forest Lawn burial was publicly reported, some fans have questioned whether Jackson was actually secretly cremated. Rumors spread that Jackson was cremated, and that his three children have his ashes in neckleces, according to Daily Mail. According to a Radar Online source, Jackson was cremated to ensure that no one attempts to steal his remains. The source articulated that,

“The family has kept the secret for safety reasons and to fulfill Michael’s wishes. But Katherine [Jackson’s mother] has privately revealed the truth to trusted friends.”

While a secret cremation certainly has a rationale, evidence suggests the rumors are false. According to Metro, Jackson’s death certificate articulates that the legendary artist was indeed buried at Forest Lawn. Furthermore, it is illegal for funeral directors to falsify information on death certificates. The creditability of Radar One’s source has been questioned as well.

Jackson’s remains could not be more protected at Forest Lawn. The mausoleum, in which Jackson was laid to rest, is locked at all times and fans cannot access it. Only family members or friends are allowed inside the building that houses Jackson’s crypt. Some of Jackson’s siblings, including Janet Jackson, were seen visiting Jackson’s final resting place at the cemetery on the first anniversary of his passing, according to MTV. If Jackson was secretly cremated, would his siblings have taken the time to visit Forest Lawn on June 25th, 2010? This is highly unlikely.

Based on legal documentation and the word of Jackson’s family members, Michael Jackson is really buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. For fans, knowing the truth can be relieving. While fans cannot visit Jackson, they can take comfort knowing that his remains are secure and are housed in a beautiful and elegant mausoleum.

Why Wasn’t Michael Jackson Buried At Neverland?

When Michael Jackson passed away, some fans wondered if the iconic artist’s former home, Neverland, would become a Graceland-like experience, according to Today. While the idea excited fans, it was simply not meant to be. Furthermore, Michael Jackson himself probably would not have approved of the proposed concept.

While Jackson loved his Neverland property for a long time, it brought back negative memories and emotions in his final years. Once allegations emerged about Jackson, authorities raided Neverland and reportedly tore apart the main house searching for evidence. Jackson eventually left Neverland and did not have a desire to return, according to Express. He spent his remaining years staying at resorts or rented private homes.

If Neverland became a museum, this may have been hard for Jackson personally. Neverland was never the same for him. While it would have been a fitting memorial in the eyes of fans, Jackson intentionally avoided Neverland for the rest of his life. Additionally, burying Jackson at Neverland would not have given Jackson the privacy his family wanted for his remains.