Janet Jackson Takes Control: Her First Interview Since Michael's Death

As Janet Jackson prepares to perform a tribute to Michael Jackson at Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards, Harper's Bazaar publishes her first interview since his tragic death, finding the iconic pop star ready to embrace her new reality and share memories of her brother.

Here is an excerpt of the story, By Laura Brown, Harper's Bazaar

The last time Janet saw Michael was on May 14, two days before her 43rd birthday. "We had so much fun that day," she says, her soft voice almost inaudible. "We kept calling each other after and saying how great it was." One of the most moving images from the memorial service was of Michael's daughter, Paris, who stepped up to the microphone and said, "Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine" before grabbing her aunt Janet for support. "I was really proud," Janet recalls. "People said to me that Michael's daughter speaking really gave them a sense of how he was as a father, in her words. Paris is incredibly smart; they are all so smart. She's a sweet girl. The kids are doing well. They're with all their cousins; that family love will keep them going."