Grace Rwaramba is the woman who worked for the late King of Pop, Micheal Jackson for seventeen years; first as a secretary and then as nanny to his three children, Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince Michael Jackson II, aka Blanket Jackson.

The 42-year-old Rwaramba is of Rwandan heritage.  During her work as a nanny, she was reportedly dismissed by MJ in December 2008, but returned to work for him on April 2009.

Around the time of MJ’s death in October last year, she was quoted as she spoke about the singer’s life and circumstances in general and in particular about his alleged prescription drug abuse.

Although Rwaramba is not a blood relative she could be considered a ‘defacto’ parent and a judge may  grant her the title of guardian. 

The best interest of the children is always the most important and if there is someone who they consider a ‘parent’ – then they could be deemed worthy of guardianship.

Rwaramba has known the three children their entire lives. Originally, the Ugandan born Rwaramba was Michael’s secretary, a position she held for five years and she took on the role as nanny to Michael’s kids for the last twelve years.

But in December 2008, Rwaramba was fired.  The erratic Michael has fired and then re-hired Rwaramba multiple times and her absence was felt by the children who called her "mom.”

Reports came out that Katherine Jackson called Rwaramba after MJ’s death and said the children were ‘crying’ for her.  But when Rwaramba asked to speak to the children she was allegedly told they were asleep (another source said Katherine called just to find the location of the money Michael kept hidden in the house).

Post life with Michael Jackson, Rwaramba has founded and is the director of the World Accountability for Humanity, a charity that aims to improve the lives of the disadvantaged.

Rwaramba was introduced to Michael by Deepak Chopra (a spiritual guru and close friend of MJ), and she is still very close to the Chopra family.

Mallika Chopra (daughter of Deepak Chopra) posted on her site Intent.com that "Rwaramba is more than my best friend - I refer to her as my sister, and she thinks of my parents as her own (she actually calls my father papa).” 

Mallika was very upset about the recent article that was in the British Times Online (who has since taken the piece down from their site) about Rwaramba and came to her defense in her rebuttal entitled "Bloodsuckers and the World of Michael Jackson.”

Reports said Rwaramba flew from Europe to LA in the hope of being reunited with Michael Jackson’s children in the wake of Michael Jackson’s death.

Even after all the media’s speculation about Rwaramba and mostly in response to allegations that she routinely pumped Jackson’s stomach after he’d ingest to many drugs; she released a statement addressing the gossip, her loss of a dear friend and her condolences to the children.

Hopefully regardless of who gets custody of the children, Rwaramba, though a nanny will still have a place in their futures since she is more of a mother to MJ’s children.

Ends

What she said about MJ

"Michael Jackson was an exceptional human being. He was gifted, deeply compassionate and brought joy to the lives of so many. He loved his family dearly, and above all, his beautiful children.

In addition to being my employer over the past 17 years and entrusting the care of his beloved children to me, he was my dear friend. While our friendship had challenges, as do all friendships, he was loyal to the end. I cherish and honor his memory.

I am shocked, hurt and deeply saddened by recent statements the press has attributed to me, in particular, the outrageous and patently false claim that I "routinely pumped his stomach after he had ingested a dangerous combination of drugs”.

I don’t even know how to pump a stomach!! In addition, I have never spoken to the Times Online, the original source of the story that has now been picked up worldwide. The statements attributed to me confirm the worst in human tendencies to sensationalize tragedy and smear reputations for profit.

I convey my heartfelt and deepest condolences to Prince, Paris, Blanket and the entire Jackson family. The pain and sorrow I feel over the loss of Michael pales in comparison to what has been taken from them forever.”
- Grace Rwaramba

Sources: Babble, ABC, News & Bizarre.