In a statement read prior to the BET Awards last night, 80-year-old JOE JACKSON said he and KATHERINE have, quote, "personal and legal authority to act, and solely...have authority for our son and his children." Michael has three kids: seven-year-old son BLANKET, 11-year-old daughter PARIS, and 12-year-old son PRINCE MICHAEL.

The children are currently with Katherine. TMZ.com reported on Saturday that the kids are happy with the living arrangement at the family's home in Encino, California, and prefer to stay with their grandmother. However, Michael's ex-wife DEBBIE ROWE -- the biological mother of the older two children -- reportedly may fight for custody.

Another concern is the future of Neverland Ranch, which faced foreclosure last year before Jackson agreed to a joint venture with a firm to take control of the property. Three of Jackson's brothers -- JACKIE, JERMAINE, and TITO -- visited Neverland Ranch on Saturday, when they had lunch with an investor who had helped set up the joint venture.

Michael's parents will sort out various legal matters with the help of attorney L. LONDELL MCMILLAN, who served as Michael's attorney in a breach-of-contract lawsuit brought by a Bahraini prince that was resolved last year.

Michael's sister, JANET JACKSON, was spotted arriving at her brother's Los Angeles estate on Saturday, the same day moving vans reportedly collected the singer's belongings. According to reports, Janet may join her brothers for a tribute tour.

On Saturday, the Jackson family said in a statement to People magazine, quote, "We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words. But Michael would not want us to give up now. So we want to thank all of his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide, you -- who Michael loved so much."