Quick Wiki
- Full Name Deborah Jeanne Rowe
- Birth Date Dec 06, 1958
- Age 66 Years, 2 Months
- Birthplace Spokane, Washington, United States
- Parents Gordon Rowe, Barbara Rowe
- Spouses Michael Jackson (m. 1996–2000), Richard Edelman (m. 1982–1988)
Debbie Rowe | Biography
Debbie Rowe, born on December 6, 1958, is known for her brief marriage to pop icon Michael Jackson and as the mother of his two eldest children.
Who is Debbie Rowe?
Debbie Rowe is best known for her relationship with the iconic pop star Michael Jackson, with whom she shares two children: Michael "Prince" Jackson and Paris Katherine Jackson. Rowe, born on December 6, 1958, grew up in a privileged but lonely environment as the adopted daughter of a wealthy couple in Malibu, California.
Her professional journey began as a nurse working in a dermatologist's office, where she met Jackson, a frequent patient dealing with vitiligo.
Their friendship quickly deepened, leading to a remarkable and controversial agreement in which Rowe would bear his children, ultimately making headlines around the world.
Despite a brief marriage sealed in November 1996, Rowe’s relationship with Jackson was tumultuous, leading to a divorce in 1999. She agreed to give up her custodial rights in exchange for a financial settlement.
Following the divorce, Rowe experienced ongoing struggles, including attempts to regain parental rights and dealing with the aftermath of Jackson's untimely death in 2009.
Over the years, she maintained her distance from the spotlight, focusing on personal interests, including studying criminal law and psychology, as well as raising horses in California. Despite complex family dynamics, Rowe has managed to foster a relationship with her daughter Paris in recent years.
Early Life and Education
Deborah Jeanne Rowe, born on December 6, 1958, in Palmdale, California, grew up as the adopted daughter of affluent parents in Malibu. Despite the wealth surrounding her, Rowe’s childhood was marked by loneliness and a sense of disconnect.
She often felt isolated and had limited social interactions, which left her yearning for meaningful relationships.
It wasn't until her thirties that Rowe experienced her first serious romantic relationship, a connection that ended painfully and significantly influenced her emotional landscape.
Rowe pursued a career in nursing, eventually working at a dermatologist's office in Los Angeles. This job became pivotal in her life, as it introduced her to the legendary pop star Michael Jackson, who was a frequent patient due to his vitiligo diagnosis.
While working in this environment, Rowe also took the initiative to further her education by studying at an online university.
Throughout this time, she earned degrees in criminal law and psychology, showcasing her dedication to personal growth despite the challenges in her familial and romantic life.
Marriage to Michael Jackson
Debbie Rowe's marriage to Michael Jackson was as unconventional as their initial relationship. The two struck a unique agreement: Rowe would bear Jackson's children, fulfilling his longstanding dream of fatherhood. Their romance blossomed during her time working at a dermatologist's office, where Jackson frequently sought treatment for his vitiligo.
In November 1996, as Rowe was six months pregnant, they married in a private ceremony in Sydney, Australia. However, despite the marriage, the couple never lived together as husband and wife, leading to speculation about the nature of their relationship.
After the birth of their first child, Michael "Prince" Jackson, in February 1997, Rowe and Jackson welcomed a daughter, Paris Katherine, in April 1998.
Their brief marriage saw Rowe bearing two children, yet it was marked by tension and eventual strain. Within six months of Paris's birth, Rowe filed for divorce, seeking financial settlement and relinquishing her custodial rights, which saw her receive more than $6 million alongside their Beverly Hills home.
Her decision underscored the complexities of their relationship, which would continue to evolve over the years, particularly concerning her role as a mother to the children.
Divorce and Custody Battle
Debbie Rowe's marriage to Michael Jackson was short-lived and marked by significant turmoil. After the birth of their daughter, Paris Katherine, the couple's relationship deteriorated rapidly. Rowe, feeling she could not have any more children, filed for divorce just six months after Paris' arrival. The divorce settlement in 1999 saw Rowe receiving over $6 million and ownership of their Beverly Hills mansion.
However, she relinquished her custodial rights to both children, agreeing to see them just once every 45 days. This decision would later come back to haunt her as she navigated the complexities of her maternal bond with her children and her estranged relationship with Jackson.
In the years following her divorce, Rowe sought to restore her parental rights, feeling a deep disconnect from her children. By 2006, she took her ex-husband to court, claiming that he had ceased financial support and wishing to regain custody of Prince and Paris. Although the case was settled out of court, the emotional ramifications for Rowe were profound.
She had vanished from the public eye for a time, focusing on her personal life and interests, yet her desire to play an active role in her children's lives remained strong.
After Michael Jackson's tragic death in 2009, speculation arose about Rowe's intentions regarding custody, but she has neither pursued legal action nor spoken publicly about those ambitions. Nonetheless, she has been seen developing a warmer relationship with Paris, signaling that their bond may still flourish despite the past heartaches.
Attempt to Restore Parental Rights
In 2006, Debbie Rowe sought to regain her parental rights over her children with Michael Jackson, following a tumultuous period after their divorce. Rowe alleged that Jackson had ceased making support payments and aimed to restore her relationship with Prince and Paris, the two children they had together.
The legal proceedings brought to light Rowe's evolving perspective on motherhood, as she expressed a desire to be more involved in her children's lives. However, the case was resolved outside of court, indicating the complexities of parental rights and responsibilities in the high-profile context of celebrity relationships.
Despite her attempts to reestablish contact, Rowe did not maintain a consistent role in her children's upbringing.
Following Jackson's passing in 2009, he had named his mother, Katherine Jackson, as the guardian of their children, which further complicated Rowe's aspirations.
In the years that followed, while occasional rumors of her seeking custody circulated, Rowe chose not to pursue formal legal actions. Instead, she focused on building a bond with her daughter, Paris, establishing a more personal connection with her children rather than a formal legal relationship.
Personal Life: Engaged to Marc Schaffel
Debbie Rowe's personal life took a new turn when she became engaged to Marc Schaffel, a music producer and close friend of her late ex-husband, Michael Jackson.
The engagement, announced in 2014, signified a fresh start for Rowe, who had spent years navigating the complexities of her past relationships and the public scrutiny that accompanied them.
Schaffel’s long-standing connection with Jackson added a unique dimension to their relationship, as it intertwined their shared history with the iconic pop star. Though the engagement revealed a new chapter in Rowe’s life, it also prompted media speculation about her intentions and the dynamics with her children.
Rowe's bond with her daughter, Paris, has remained a significant aspect of her personal narrative.
They have been seen together at various events, showcasing a growing relationship that reflects Rowe's desire to be more involved in her children's lives.
In the aftermath of Jackson's death and the accompanying media frenzy, Rowe sought to establish a more private existence, focusing on her personal happiness and connections. Her engagement to Schaffel represents not just a romantic commitment but also a step toward a more fulfilling life beyond the shadows of her past with Jackson.
Net Worth and Earnings: Divorced and Settled
Debbie Rowe’s financial landscape has evolved significantly following her marriage to Michael Jackson. After their divorce in 1999, Rowe was awarded a settlement exceeding $6 million, along with ownership of their Beverly Hills mansion.
This financial package was contingent upon her relinquishing custody rights to their two children, Prince and Paris.
Despite the challenges of navigating life as a single mother, Rowe's prudent financial choices, including selling her mansion, have allowed her to secure a comfortable living, especially as she transitioned to a quieter life focused on her equestrian interests.
In the years following Jackson's death in 2009, speculation regarding Rowe's net worth has continued to circulate.
While she has maintained a relatively low profile, her financial gains from the divorce settlement, along with her life's earnings, contribute to a respectable net worth. Rowe has also shown a commitment to her own personal growth, studying criminal law and psychology, which may further enhance her prospects. Although she has not actively pursued custody of her children, including Paris, with whom she has recently developed a closer bond, Rowe's situation reflects the dynamics of her past and the choices she has made along the way.
