Following two months of planning, Michael Jackson will finally be laid to rest on Thursday evening in California's legendary Forest Lawn Glendale where he is expected to be interred in a hidden monument in a mausoleum made of marble and mortar.
The private memorial for family and friends will reportedly find the "King of Pop" entombed beside his childhood idols, Walt Disney and Larry of the 'Three Stooges.'
"The family believed this is what Michael would have wanted," a source close to the family told the New York Post.
While the iconic singer expected to be honored in the highest regard, including a performance by soul legend Gladys Knight, and 12 burial spaces being purchased, Jackson's mother, Katherine, requested the judge to sign off on the funeral expenses.
This morning Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff granted the current administrators of Jackson's estate to pay for Jackson's funeral and interment. The Associated Press reported that no one contested who would pay the costs, however Beckloff expressed concerns about whether Jackson's estate could afford it.
The current attorney for the administrators of Jackson's estate, Jeryll Cohen, stated that the estate had enough funds to cover funeral services in full. "The expenses are extraordinary, however, Michael Jackson was extraordinary," she said.
As for the increased security of the 13th Century Italian patterned cemetery, observers can expect the streets surrounding Forest Lawn to be closed to the public 24 hours prior to service, in addition to restricted airspace over the venue.
The multiple Grammy Award-winner's three children Prince Michael, Paris, and Blanket are all expected to place written letters alongside his signature white glove that read, "Daddy, we love you, we miss you," said Jackson's brother, Marlon.
He went on to tell UK newspaper, 'The Mirror,' that the King of Pop will be given a special wig of long black locks to wear in his gold coffin and a makeup artist has been hired to render his facial features.
(For info on Michael Jackson's upcoming concert documentary, 'Michael Jackson's This Is It,' head over to Moviefone.)
June 25, 2009 marked the passing of the one and only "King of Pop." With over four decades in the spotlight, he never ceased to amaze us. Fittingly, we've witnessed his incredible highs and tragic lows with rapt attention. In tribute, we take a look at the life of pop music's greatest entertainer.
BHM MEDIA NEW
While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.
bauergriffinonline.com
Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer's look?
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL
Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is Mischa's look a hit or miss?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?
Gerardo Mora, Getty Images
Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim's look.
Tim Boyles, Getty Images
Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville.
Dominique Charriau, WireImage
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?
Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images
Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Being thousands of miles away didn't stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.
Julien Hekimian, WireImage
Comments: (46)
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By: amber gross on 9/02/2009 8:17PM
I LOVE YOU MICHEAL JACKSON R.I.P ,YOU WILL BE MISSED. IM GLAD THAT YOU HAVE BEEN TO REST.GOD BLESS YOU FAMILY AND KIDS.AMBER G FROM WASHINGTON DC
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By: tina diaz on 9/02/2009 8:59PM
Michael Jackson finally is going to be laid to rest but will he really rest I don't think so because his death was a senless and all for nothing his life was taken away to soon and in vain. I will miss him so much and I know his kids will miss him something awful. Many his family and children find peace and may justice be served for his family and children. Michael Jackson death in my personal opinion was foul play you have to read the facts and reaally understand the case and I have been following his death from the beginning. He really didn't have to die so soon he had so much to live for in life. May you rest Michael and may your family finally find the peace and comfort that they deserve. I will miss you so much The King of Pop. Love you forever and always Tina From Brooklyn.
Your forever in our hearts!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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By: Anne on 9/02/2009 9:37PM
I am a 54 year old white lady who grew up with MJ. MJ was the most misunderstood, persecuted, ridiculed person on the planet. He was a beautiful human being and a brilliant creative genius. The man was all about love. He loved everybody. He truly wanted to make the world a better place. He was sweet and loved to have fun. He was magical. The media was unbelievably cruel to him during his lifetime. It breaks my heart that he can't see how much people miss him and how much he was loved. He had so much left to give. It is tragic that he died creating his spectacular comeback. You are forever in our hearts Michael Jackson!
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By: Betty on 9/05/2009 4:20PM
Your words are so true. The world realized that after his death, he was a human being, with feelings. He was a genius when it came to music, dancing, etc. He is at rest and he will be truly missed.
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By: dixon_rocky on 9/03/2009 12:40AM
MJ, I love you and will always love you. R.I.P. As the saying goes, can Jesus bear the cross and all the world go free. MJ there is no dought in my mind that you help the lord to carry the cross. With all the propaganda the white media put out and you, you were still able to live this long. You did not live to see it but truth always win. Your name will be right for your children and grandchildren. R.I.P
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By: lynda on 9/04/2009 11:22AM
bless ur soul michael. i will always love you.
he not be in peace until people responsible for his passing are prosecuted. this was an unnecessary death and it makes me so sad. my heart goes out to his family, he is missed dearly by millions
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By: Aljorie on 9/03/2009 6:42AM
Body & spirit wise he will FINALLY be able to RIP. Legal wise and investigation wise NO!!!
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By: RITA GIBBS on 9/03/2009 7:31AM
I TRULY BELIEVE THAT MICHAEL JACKSON WILL BE ABLE TO REST IN PEACE AFTER TODAY. NO MATTER WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT HIM HE WAS A MAN THAT WAS A FATHER, A BROTHER, A SON AND MOST IMPORTANTLY A HUMAN BEING. LIKE JANET SAID "TO YOU HE WAS A ICON, TO US HE WAS FAMILY". MICHAEL JACKSON WAS A TYPE OF PERSON THAT CARED ENOUGH TO GIVE TO THE UNFORTUNATE, AND SHARE ALOT OF HIMSELF AND ALL HE ASKED IN RETURN WAS RESPECT. I AM SO SORRY THAT HE HAS PASSED AWAY, JUST LIKE ONE OF HIS SONGS ENTITLED "GONE TO SOON", MICHAEL JACKSON YOU HAVE DEFINELY LEFT US TOO SOON. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE JACKSON FAMILY, AND MICHEAL I HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO REST IN PEACE.......LOVE YA ALWAYS....R.G.
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By: tykete on 9/03/2009 8:51AM
Can we please get this over with? Let the guy go -
this is being dragged out for way too long.
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By: Tony on 9/04/2009 9:29PM
Too long for who tykete? No one is dragging you to read these articles or these comments. You people amaze me! Go do something else!
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