Michael Jackson's Will Names Diana Ross As Potential Guardian

Michael Jackson wanted Diana Ross to be given custody of his children should his mother have failed to survive him, it has emerged.

The singer’s wishes are revealed in his will, which was filed at Los Angeles Superior Court this afternoon.

Jackson also stated in the 2002 document that his $500million estate be given to the Jackson Family Trust Fund.

The will fails to name Jackson’s father, Joseph, and “intentionally” omits his former wife, Deborah Rowe.

The five-page will emerged earlier this week, shortly after the star’s family said they didn’t believe such a document existed.

Jackson, who died last Thursday, named Katherine Jackson, 79, as the guardian of his three children - Prince Michael Junior, 12, Paris Michael Katherine, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II.

But should his mother be unable to fulfil the task, custody should be handed to his long-term friend, Ross, the will states.

Jackson’s two eldest children were born to Rowe, while his third child was born to a unknown surrogate mother.

“I have intentionally omitted to provide for my former wife, Deborah Rowe Jackson,” Jackson said in his will.

Rowe, who divorced from Jackson in 1999, has yet to state whether she will launch a bid for custody of her two children.

Meanwhile, Jackson’s named his attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain as executors.

Branca was Jackson's main lawyer between 1980 and 2006, when he was let go. He was rehired a week before the star's death.

Michael Jackson - The Apollo Tribute