Officials in Michael Jackson's hometown are planning a day of tributes to mark the first anniversary of the superstar's death.
The mayor of Gary, Indiana, where the singer spent his early years, has revealed Jackson's mother Katherine is planning to attend the event at the musical family's former home on Friday (25Jun10) - exactly a year after the star's tragic passing.
The tributes will include speeches, performances and a candlelight vigil, according to Mayor Rudy Clay.
He tells the Associated Press, "This is where it all started, Our love for the Jackson family and Michael began before they were famous and it is still entrenched."
Gary city spokeswoman LaLosa Burns, adds, "We expect thousands to show up."