In a heartwarming moment that has sparked joy across social media, Prince Jackson, the eldest son of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Molly Schirmang, on August 26, 2025. After eight years of dating, the 28-year-old shared the exciting news with fans on Instagram, posting a heartfelt tribute to his fiancée alongside a series of photos that captured their journey together. The announcement, set to the backdrop of Michael Jackson’s romantic ballad “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” has sent fans into a frenzy, with the internet buzzing about the couple’s love story and their plans for a future together. This milestone marks a new chapter for Prince, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight while honoring his father’s legacy, and it has resonated deeply with those who have followed his journey.
A Romantic Proposal and a Shared History
Prince Jackson, whose full name is Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., proposed to Molly Schirmang in a moment that was both intimate and deeply personal. The couple, who have been together since 2017, shared their engagement news through a carousel of photos on Instagram, showcasing their eight-year relationship. The first image captured the newly engaged couple kissing in a park, with Schirmang proudly displaying her sparkling engagement ring. Other photos highlighted their adventures, from hiking and kayaking to celebrating their graduation from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles in 2019. One particularly touching snapshot showed the couple seated with Prince’s grandmother, Katherine Jackson, outside the Jackson family’s Hayvenhurst estate in Encino, California, a nod to the family legacy that has shaped Prince’s life.
In his Instagram caption, Prince reflected on the memories they’ve built together, writing, “8 years down ♾ to go. Molly and I have spent a lot of time together and made incredible memories. We’ve traveled the world, graduated and grown so much together. I’m excited for this next chapter in our lives as we continue to grow and make great memories. I love you babs.” The post, which quickly garnered thousands of likes and comments, struck a chord with fans who were moved by the sincerity and love in his words. The choice of Michael Jackson’s 1987 hit “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” as the soundtrack for the post added an emotional layer, connecting the moment to Prince’s father and his musical legacy.
A Relationship Rooted in Balance
Prince and Molly’s love story began at Loyola Marymount University, where they met as students and started dating in March 2017. Over the years, they’ve kept their relationship relatively private, only occasionally sharing glimpses of their life together. In a 2018 interview, Prince spoke about how Molly complements him, describing their dynamic as one of balance. “I think in everything there’s an important balance. I’m more aggressive, she’s a little softer,” he said, noting that Molly encourages him to see things from a different perspective. This balance has been a cornerstone of their relationship, allowing them to grow together through milestones like college graduation, world travels, and family gatherings.
The couple’s shared experiences have included attending events like the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala in 2019 and supporting Prince’s charitable endeavors through his Heal Los Angeles Foundation and King’s Son Productions. Their bond has also been strengthened by their connection to the Jackson family, with Molly earning the approval of Prince’s relatives. The engagement announcement prompted an outpouring of love from family members, including Prince’s cousin Taryll Jackson, who commented, “Congrats!!!” and Taryll’s partner, Breana Cabral, who wrote, “Love you both!” Another cousin, Toyoia Jackson, added, “We love Molly so much. I’m so happy for you both.” The warm reactions underscored the family’s excitement for the couple’s future.
Honoring a Legendary Legacy
As the eldest son of Michael Jackson, who passed away in June 2009 at the age of 50, Prince has carried the weight of his father’s monumental legacy while carving out his own path. Born to Michael and his second wife, Debbie Rowe, Prince has two siblings: Paris Jackson, 27, and Bigi Jackson, 23, who was born via surrogacy. The siblings have remained close, often appearing together at events like the 2022 Tony Awards, where they honored their father’s legacy, and the 2024 London premiere of MJ: The Musical. Prince has spoken openly about the challenges of living up to his father’s name, telling the Associated Press in 2024, “It’s a big legacy to uphold, you know? It would be great if I knew how he would like it to be upheld.” Despite this, he has embraced his role as a steward of his father’s values, particularly the principle of leading with love.
Prince has integrated his father’s teachings into his life, focusing on philanthropy and giving back. Through his Heal Los Angeles Foundation, founded in 2016, he supports underserved communities, and his production company, King’s Son Productions, reflects his passion for media and storytelling. He has also spoken about keeping his father’s memory alive through personal touches, like displaying photos and artistic paintings of Michael in his home. “I like to lead my life with love, which is what he taught me,” Prince said in a 2022 interview. “I try to help at least one person a day and I feel like that is a way of continuing his legacy.” His engagement to Molly represents a personal milestone that aligns with this philosophy, as he builds a future rooted in love and partnership.
The Internet’s Joyful Reaction
The announcement of Prince and Molly’s engagement set social media ablaze, with fans and well-wishers flooding the comments section of his Instagram post. Many expressed their happiness for the couple, with one follower writing, “Your father would be so happy for you!” Another added, “I would have liked to have seen him do the moonwalk at the reception!” The lighthearted and heartfelt responses reflected the public’s affection for Prince, who has maintained a low profile compared to his father’s global fame. On X, users shared memes and posts celebrating the news, with hashtags like #PrinceJacksonEngaged and #JacksonLegacy trending. One X post read, “Prince Jackson getting engaged to Molly after 8 years is so wholesome. Michael’s smiling down on them!” Another user wrote, “From college sweethearts to forever—Prince and Molly are goals.”
The engagement also sparked conversations about Prince’s private nature and his efforts to live a normal life despite his famous lineage. Fans praised his commitment to keeping his relationship with Molly out of the spotlight, noting that their rare public appearances, like red carpet events or family gatherings, always exuded genuine affection. The inclusion of Katherine Jackson in the engagement photos was particularly meaningful, with fans commenting on the importance of family in Prince’s life. One X user noted, “Seeing Prince and Molly with Katherine Jackson in that photo hits different. It’s like Michael’s love is still there, guiding them.”
A New Chapter for the Jackson Family
The engagement comes at a time when the Jackson family continues to honor Michael’s legacy through various projects, including MJ: The Musical, which Prince and his siblings have supported. The musical, which celebrates Michael Jackson’s life and career, has been a way for the family to keep his contributions to music alive. Prince’s engagement to Molly adds a joyful personal milestone to this ongoing narrative, offering a moment of celebration amid the family’s efforts to navigate their public and private lives.
While wedding plans remain under wraps, fans are already speculating about what the ceremony might entail. Some envision a private affair with close family and friends, reflecting Prince’s preference for staying out of the spotlight. Others imagine a nod to Michael’s legacy, perhaps with music playing a central role. The photo with Katherine Jackson suggests that family will be at the heart of the celebration, with Molly already embraced as part of the Jackson clan. Paris Jackson, who recently ended her own engagement, commented on Prince’s post, “So happy for you both,” signaling her support for her brother’s happiness.
Why This Moment Matters
Prince Jackson’s engagement to Molly Schirmang is more than just a celebrity milestone—it’s a testament to a love story built on shared experiences, mutual growth, and quiet devotion. For a man who has lived in the shadow of his father’s fame, Prince’s ability to forge a meaningful relationship while staying true to his values is inspiring. The engagement resonates with fans because it reflects universal themes of love, commitment, and family, made all the more poignant by Prince’s connection to Michael Jackson’s legacy.
The internet’s reaction, from heartfelt congratulations to playful memes, underscores the public’s affection for Prince and his journey. As he and Molly prepare for their future, they carry with them the support of a family that has faced immense challenges and triumphs. The engagement is a reminder that love can thrive even in the most extraordinary circumstances, and for Prince, it’s a chance to build a new legacy—one rooted in the lessons of his father but defined by his own heart. As one X user put it, “Prince Jackson and Molly Schirmang’s engagement is proof that love wins. Here’s to their forever.” With eight years behind them and a lifetime ahead, Prince and Molly’s story is just beginning, and the world is cheering them on.
