Michael Jackson and Diana Ross shared a bond that he apparently thought would last long after his death.
In his will Jackson wanted Ross -- who took him under her wing and who he called one of his dearest friends -- to take care of his children if his mother, Katherine Jackson, was not alive or was unable to do so.

Ebony
Nov 1983
While the public may have been surprised at Jackson's decision, the two have a long history together.
Although she was older than Michael, they had a real connection and that connection, I think, and that friendship really moved throughout his career."
Jackson even wrote Ross' famous "Upside Down" for her, Wilbekin said.
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