Michael Jackson’s sons, Prince and Bigi, are hoping to see their father’s iconic Neverland Ranch return to its roots as a sanctuary for sick and underprivileged children.
According to a source close to the family, the brothers cherish the fond memories of growing up on the vast California estate and want its legacy preserved in a way that aligns with the King of Pop’s original humanitarian spirit.
Prince Jackson, 29, has long carried forward his father’s philanthropic impulse. In 2016, while studying at Loyola Marymount University, he co-founded the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering youth and supporting low-income families through education, wellness programs, and local outreach.
Inspired directly by his father’s dedication to improving young lives, Prince would love to see Neverland re-emerge as a beacon for charitable causes.
While both brothers want to see the estate used for good, Bigi (formerly known as Blanket) is particularly keen to protect the property’s intimacy. He prefers that Neverland remain a dedicated retreat for children in need rather than being converted into a massive commercial tourist trap.
Ultimately, the brothers hope the property continues to honor their father’s conviction that every child deserves a safe space to simply enjoy being a kid, away from life’s hardships.
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However, neither Prince nor Bigi holds ownership or decision-making power over the 2,700-acre Santa Ynez Valley property. Billionaire businessman Ron Burkle—a former acquaintance of Michael Jackson—acquired the estate in December 2020 for approximately $22 million, a steep drop from its initial $100 million listing price in 2015.
Although Neverland remains a private residence, Burkle has kept the door open for the Jackson family to visit whenever they choose. Furthermore, Burkle has a well-established history of opening his private properties—such as Green Acres and his estates in Palm Springs and La Jolla—for philanthropic functions, and he continues to host select charitable events at Neverland.
Michael Jackson originally bought the Los Olivos property in 1988, converting it into a whimsical, Peter Pan-inspired haven complete with carnival rides, a movie theater, and an arcade. Throughout his time there, the estate regularly welcomed youth groups, hosting charitable visits multiple times a month—including memorable events for Make-A-Wish foundation families—before the music legend’s passing in 2009.