Michael Jackson - Rowe Wants To Plan Jackson Memorial

MICHAEL JACKSON's ex-wife DEBBIE ROWE is desperately trying to contact the superstar's family - to help with funeral arrangements.

Rowe, the mother of Jackson's two eldest children, Prince Michael, 12, and 11-year-old Paris, left numerous messages for the late singer's family but they've so far failed to get back to her.

She wants to help plan a public memorial for the music legend - and has not ruled out launching a custody battle for her children.

Jackson's mother Katherine has been awarded temporary guardianship of Prince and Paris, as well as seven-year-old Prince 'Blanket' Michael II, but will have to wait until next month (Jul09) for a ruling on permanent custody.

Marc Schaffel, a former Jackson business associate who is close to Rowe, insists she is trying to contact the King of Pop's family for "several reasons", including "to offer her input into a venue where they could have a public memorial".

He says, "We've been trying to reach them at different numbers. But we don't know if who we've been leaving messages with have gotten the messages... In all fairness I wouldn't say they are avoiding her. Our understanding, though, is that the Jackson family does want to have contact with Debbie.

"Debbie was absolutely devastated by Michael's death. They had an incredible bond and friendship even prior to the marriage... Debbie was a very good friend to Michael during all those years."

Schaffel refused to comment on whether Rowe has had any contact with the children since Jackson's death, adding, "Debbie understands it's a very difficult time for everybody involved, including the children. I think everybody involved would say they want to see the children have no more disruption in their life until their father has been put to rest."