AceShowbiz -

In a quick response to the on-going speculations regarding the custody of Michael Jackson's children and his funeral, his father Joe Jackson a.k.a. Joseph Jackson was quick to set the record straight on both matters. In a press conference taking place on Monday afternoon, June 29 outside the Jacksons compound in Encino, California, the elder Jackson confirmed that for the time being his wife Katherine Jackson gets the temporary custody of Prince Michael Jackson Jr., Prince Michael Jackson II, and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson.

"We're the parents. This is where they belong," said Joe who was accompanied by longtime family friend and adviser Rev. Al Sharpton during the press conference. "We're going to take care of them and give them the education they're supposed to have." When asked about Prince Michael Jr. and Paris' biological mother Debbie Rowe, he told reporters, "Debbie Rowe has nothing to do with what we're doing."

Joe, furthermore, stated that Prince Michael, Prince Michael II, and Paris are spending their time with other young ones in the Jackson family and are "happy with the kids they're around." He revealed, "We have kids back there, small ones like they are. They were never around other kids. They're happy." On the possibility of the children being taken care by their longtime nanny Grace Rwaramba, Joe claimed, "We're looking at that, too. She's a good friend of the family and of the kids."

As for memorial and funeral plans, Joe said the family hasn't come to a decision just yet, adding that rumors claiming they will bury Michael at his former Neverland Ranch are "not true." He, additionally, addressed on the mounting talks regarding Michael's will. Admitting he hasn't seen a copy of his late son's will just yet, he declined further questions on the matter, calling it a "private" issue.

Joe concluded at the end on the press conference, "One thing I wish would have happened with Michael is that he could have been here to see all this. Michael was the superstar all over the world. He was loved in every country. He tried his hard to please everybody. He helped the sick, the blind... He was glad to do it. I've seen Michael go and cry about it. He felt sorry for the people he was helping."