“Well Brooke, I’ve always liked her, and when I was little I used to stay with Diana Ross, me and my brothers stayed with her for years and I never said, but I always had a crush on her.”

- August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009
- American
- Singer, Dancer, Songwriter, “King of Pop”
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Quote
“Well Brooke, I’ve always liked her, and when I was little I used to stay with Diana Ross, me and my brothers stayed with her for years and I never said, but I always had a crush on her.”
Explanation
This quote reveals a rare glimpse into Michael Jackson’s personal feelings and early emotional experiences, framed with affection and nostalgia. By mentioning “Brooke”—referring to actress Brooke Shields—and “Diana Ross”, he shares his admiration for two important women in his life. The statement “I always had a crush on her” humanizes Jackson, showing the shy vulnerability and private longing behind his public persona.
Jackson’s relationship with Diana Ross was widely known; she was both a mentor and a maternal figure during his early rise to fame. Living with her during formative years, he developed not only admiration but also a youthful romantic attachment, which he had kept private. Mentioning this publicly reflects his deep emotional connection and the lasting impact Ross had on his life. Similarly, his fond words about Brooke Shields reflect his desire for genuine companionship and closeness, often difficult to achieve in the spotlight.
In a broader context, this quote underscores the innocent longing and emotional complexity that can be hidden behind global fame. It reminds us that even the most iconic figures experience private, unspoken emotions, and that relationships—whether romantic, platonic, or familial—remain central to their inner lives. Jackson’s openness here offers a tender and relatable moment of honesty.
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