When Michael Jackson passed away unexpectedly on June 25, 2009, the world was left in shock. The King of Pop’s death marked the end of an era, and millions of fans around the globe mourned his sudden departure.

Just 12 days after his death, a public memorial was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The world caught a glimpse of a lavish 14-karat gold casket lined with blue velvet. However, reports quickly emerged that Jackson’s body was not actually in the casket that day, adding fuel to the already burning mystery surrounding his final resting place.

At the time, many speculated that Jackson would be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, a renowned cemetery where other Hollywood legends such as Walt Disney, Liberace, and Sammy Davis Jr. are buried. Others believed that Jackson’s famous Neverland Ranch would be transformed into a memorial site, similar to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, where fans could visit and pay tribute.

Neither of these speculations initially came to fruition.

According to insiders, Jackson’s family initially wanted him to be buried at Neverland Ranch, located 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles. This was the home Jackson lived in until 2005 and the property most associated with him. A special burial spot was even chosen next to the ranch’s train station, near where Jackson would often ride a train named after his mother, Katherine, to travel between his home and private zoo.

However, California law prohibits burials outside official cemeteries, making the plan legally complicated. Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother, voiced the family’s intentions to challenge the law, believing that changes could be made. But pursuing legal consent would take months and potentially cause disputes with local residents opposed to turning the ranch into a fan pilgrimage site.

Faced with these challenges, the family chose Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, as a temporary solution. Media reports later revealed that Jackson’s family was deeply concerned about the safety of his body. Rumors circulated that the casket was entombed in concrete shortly after the private funeral, to prevent any potential attempts by obsessed fans to exhume the body.

But the most surprising twist came from sources close to the family: Katherine Jackson was reportedly so paranoid about grave robbers that she kept Michael’s body on ice for months. In an effort to protect her son and fulfill what she believed were his true wishes, she ultimately had him secretly cremated.

According to family friends, Katherine only confided in a few trusted individuals about the cremation. On September 3, 2009, a private burial service was held at Forest Lawn. Approximately 200 close friends and family members attended, including Jackson’s ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley and friend Elizabeth Taylor. His empty casket was placed inside the Great Mausoleum, a secure and elegant resting place.

Following the ceremony, the Jackson family chose a far more sentimental location to say their final goodbyes. They reportedly scattered Michael’s ashes at Neverland Ranch, specifically near “The Giving Tree.” This tree was a meaningful spot for Jackson, where he often wrote music and read poetry.

Though Michael had sold Neverland Ranch before his death for $22.5 million, his three children—Prince, Paris, and Blanket—still have access to the property. Sources say they visit from time to time to feel close to their father.

Today, while the public mausoleum may serve as the official symbol of Michael Jackson’s burial, those closest to him know the true story of where he truly rests—in the peaceful, magical place he called home.