On August 26, 2025, Prince Jackson, the eldest son of the late music icon Michael Jackson, announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Molly Schirmang, in a heartfelt Instagram post that captivated fans worldwide. The 28-year-old shared the joyous news after eight years of dating, marking a significant milestone in a relationship that has quietly flourished away from the public eye. With a touching tribute to his father, the King of Pop, who passed away in 2009, Prince’s announcement blended personal triumph with family legacy, resonating deeply with those who have followed the Jackson family’s journey. As the couple prepares for their next chapter, their love story offers a glimpse of hope and continuity amidst the challenges of fame and loss.

Prince, born Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., shared a carousel of photos on Instagram, capturing cherished moments from his eight-year relationship with Schirmang. Set to his father’s 1987 hit single “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” the post was a poignant blend of romance and reverence. “8 years down ♾️ to go,” Prince captioned the images, using an infinity symbol to signify their lifelong commitment. “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 included a photo of the couple kissing with Schirmang displaying her engagement ring, drew thousands of likes and comments, with fans and family alike celebrating their love.

The announcement was not just a personal milestone but a moment steeped in the Jackson family’s legacy. One photo featured Prince and Schirmang seated alongside his 95-year-old grandmother, Katherine Jackson, outside Hayvenhurst, the Jackson family compound in Encino, California. This nod to family underscored Prince’s deep connection to his roots, a theme that has defined his life since losing his father at age 12. The choice of “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” as the post’s soundtrack was a deliberate homage to Michael Jackson, whose music continues to influence his children’s lives. Fans flooded the comments with messages like “Your dad would be so proud” and “This is such a beautiful tribute,” reflecting the emotional weight of the moment.

Prince and Schirmang’s relationship began in 2017 at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where both studied business with a focus on entrepreneurship. Their bond, forged in the halls of academia, grew through shared adventures, from kayaking trips to international travels. Prince first introduced Schirmang to the public in 2018, marking their one-year anniversary with a post from a trip to San Francisco. “I had such an amazing time in San Fran celebrating our year together ❤️,” he wrote, a sentiment echoed by his sister, Paris Jackson, who commented on their joy. Over the years, the couple has kept their relationship relatively private, a choice that allowed them to build a strong foundation away from the spotlight that has followed Prince since childhood.

The engagement comes at a time when Prince has been increasingly visible, balancing personal milestones with efforts to honor his father’s legacy. As the eldest of Michael Jackson’s three children—followed by Paris, 27, and Bigi, 23, formerly known as Blanket—Prince has embraced a role as a steward of his father’s memory. In a 2022 interview, he spoke of keeping Michael’s presence alive through photos and artistic paintings in his home, as well as living by the values his father taught him, such as leading with love and helping others daily. His involvement with the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, a children’s charity, reflects this ethos, as does his work on the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, set for release in April 2026 and starring his cousin, Jaafar Jackson.

Schirmang, who has largely stayed out of the public eye, is described as a grounding force in Prince’s life. In a 2018 interview, he praised her for balancing his more aggressive personality with her softer demeanor, noting that their complementary traits help them see the world through new perspectives. “She encourages me to see things through a different light,” he said, highlighting the strength of their partnership. Their shared experiences, from graduating together to attending family gatherings, have solidified their bond, with Schirmang earning the approval of the Jackson family, including Katherine and Prince’s cousin, Taryll Jackson, who commented “Congrats!!!” on the engagement post.

The announcement was not without its broader context. The Jackson family has faced intense scrutiny over the years, from Michael’s legal battles to recent tensions over his estate. Paris Jackson has publicly criticized the estate’s executors, alleging mismanagement, a claim that has sparked legal disputes. Prince, however, has remained focused on positive endeavors, using his platform to promote philanthropy and preserve his father’s artistic legacy. His engagement to Schirmang represents a personal triumph, a moment of joy amid the challenges of growing up in the shadow of one of the world’s most famous figures.

Fans and celebrities alike have showered the couple with love. Paris Jackson commented, “Warms my heart to see how much joy you two bring each other. Happy anniversary love y’all.” Drummer Jonathan Moffett, a longtime collaborator of Michael Jackson, added, “Congrats to you both! Love you guys.” The outpouring of support reflects Prince’s ability to connect with others, a trait he attributes to his father’s teachings. “I like to lead my life with love, which is what he taught me,” he said in a 2022 interview, emphasizing his commitment to making a positive impact.

The engagement also drew attention for its timing, coinciding with other high-profile celebrity announcements, including Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement. Yet, Prince and Schirmang’s news stood out for its sincerity and understated elegance, avoiding the fanfare often associated with celebrity romances. Their shared photos, from hiking adventures to Halloween costumes as Mario and Princess Peach, painted a picture of a couple rooted in genuine connection. The inclusion of Katherine Jackson in their announcement underscored their commitment to family, a value that resonates deeply with fans who have followed the Jacksons through triumphs and tragedies.

As Prince and Schirmang plan their future, the engagement marks a new chapter not just for them but for the Jackson family. The biopic Michael, in which Prince is actively involved, promises to reintroduce his father’s story to a new generation, with a rumored three-and-a-half-hour runtime that may be split into two parts. Prince’s work with the Heal Los Angeles Foundation continues to reflect his dedication to community, while his personal life with Schirmang offers a beacon of hope. Their story, built on eight years of shared growth, travel, and love, stands as a testament to resilience in the face of public scrutiny.

For Minneapolis, a city recently touched by tragedy with a school shooting that claimed two young lives, Prince’s engagement offers a moment of light amid darker news. While geographically distant, the universal themes of love and family connect communities across the globe. As Prince steps into this new phase, his nod to his father ensures that Michael Jackson’s legacy endures—not just in music but in the lives of those he inspired. With Schirmang by his side, Prince is poised to build a future that honors the past while embracing the promise of tomorrow.