Michael Jackson’s sons Prince and Bigi would welcome seeing their late father’s beloved Neverland Ranch once again bring joy to sick and disadvantaged children.
“They’d love to see the property preserved and used in a way that honors what Michael originally wanted it to be,” a source close to the Jackson family exclusively told Page Six.
The insider explained that the sprawling California estate holds a special place in the brothers’ hearts because of the memories they made there growing up.
“Prince really appreciates the history of Neverland and would love to see it have a charitable purpose again, especially when it comes to helping sick and underprivileged children,” the source said.
“Given how involved he’s been in charity work himself, it’s something that’s particularly meaningful to him.”
Prince, 29, co-founded the Heal Los Angeles Foundation in 2016 while attending Loyola Marymount University. According to the organization’s website, the foundation works with young people and families in underserved Los Angeles communities, focusing on educational opportunities, wellness and support.
Its initiatives include a partnership with Loreto Elementary School in northeast Los Angeles, as well as food and toy drives aimed at helping families in need. The foundation says its work was inspired by Michael’s humanitarian legacy and his belief in giving children opportunities to thrive.
Bigi, who was formerly known as Blanket, “is much more private and would prefer that Neverland not become some big tourist attraction, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t support finding a way to bring some of that magic back for children who could really benefit from it,” the insider explained.
According to the source, the brothers’ wishes are ultimately about preserving the King of Pop’s legacy and honoring the vision he had for the property.
“At the end of the day, they want their father’s legacy respected, and they know how much it meant to him to create a place where kids could just be kids and forget about whatever difficulties they were going through.”
Reps for Prince and Bigi did not respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.
However, Prince and Bigi have no ownership or control over Neverland, which businessman Ron Burkle purchased for approximately $22 million in 2020.
A spokesperson for Burkle shared in a statement with Page Six that the businessman “has tremendous respect for the history of Neverland and the special meaning it holds for Michael Jackson’s family.”
“Since acquiring the property, he has welcomed Michael’s children and family to spend time there whenever they wish, recognizing the personal connection they have to the home.”
“Ron has a long history of making his private residences available for charitable events and causes, including his properties in Palm Springs, La Jolla and Green Acres, which has developed a charitable identity of its own,” the statement continued.
“While Neverland remains a private residence, Ron continues to welcome opportunities to host charitable events there.”
Michael purchased the sprawling 2,700-acre property in Los Olivos, California, in 1988 and transformed it into a fantasy-like retreat inspired by the fictional Neverland from “Peter Pan.”
The estate famously featured amusement park rides, a train station, a movie theater and a zoo, with Jackson regularly welcoming children and their families to enjoy the attractions.
In 1993, Michael hosted nine Make-A-Wish families at Neverland, according to the charity’s account of one visit. He personally greeted the guests and guided them around the ranch, where they enjoyed arcade games, a screening of “Aladdin,” a barbecue and carnival rides.
More than a decade later, roughly 200 children visited for a holiday celebration in December 2004. The youngsters were treated to amusement rides, animals, candy canes, popcorn and a visit from Santa Claus, according to reports at the time.
Michael also surprised the children with a personal appearance. His spokesperson said charitable and civic organizations brought groups to Neverland at least three times a month.
The property also served as a venue for fundraising. In September 2003, Michael hosted an event benefiting organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a Brazilian charity that provided food, clothing and medical assistance to impoverished children.
The ranch was eventually listed for $100 million in 2015 before undergoing several price reductions.
Michael passed away in June 2009 at age 50 in Los Angeles.
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