How old is Katherine Jackson?

An American author and family matriarch, Katherine Jackson is the mother of the famous Jackson family of entertainers, including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and the members of The Jackson 5. Her real name is Katherine Esther Scruse and she was born in Alabama. She overcame polio as a child before moving with her family to Indiana, where she later met and married Joseph "Joe" Jackson in 1949. Together, they had ten children, nine of whom lived to adulthood, many of whom grew up to be major music stars.

Katherine was instrumental in nurturing her children’s musical gifts. A talented pianist, clarinetist, cellist and singer herself, she helped nurture their interest in music and designed costumes for The Jackson 5 as the group ascended to fame. The success of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, and later Janet, made the Jackson family one of the most influential families in the history of entertainment.

Katherine, the matriarch of the Jackson family, was named Essence magazine’s Mother of the Year in 1985. After Michael Jackson's death in 2009, she became the guardian of his children, Prince, Paris and Bigi. Through decades of fame, Katherine Jackson has remained a central figure in preserving and supporting the Jackson family's legacy.

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