And boy, did they know about paparazzi hell. Diana was always in the tabloids, and MJ’s life was an open book to the media, too.
They stayed friends until Diana’s tragic end in 1997. When MJ heard the news, he was crushed. He passed out and needed smelling salts. He even postponed a show.
A couple of days later, he paid tribute on stage. “I love you, Diana. Shine. And shine on forever, because you are the true princess of the people.”
MJ didn’t go to the funeral but hit up a memorial in L.A. Dressed in black, with a fedora and armband, he showed up with his crew.
After her death, he talked sweetly about her. Said they related, cried on each other’s shoulders about the mean tabloids.
It’s sad they’re both gone too soon. That photo of their first meet? It’s a snapshot of the start of something special.