Joe Jackson Gives Grandkids the Gift of His Absence

Michael Jackson's dad says he'll let wife Katherine handle the upbringing of Prince, Paris and Blanket

No word yet on what he'll do if Prince, Paris and Blanket end up being able to sing and dance like his late son, but for now, Joe Jackson doesn't plan on being too involved in their formative years.

But the Jackson family patriarch lent his full support to estranged wife Katherine, who has been awarded permanent custody of Michael Jackson's brood, in a two-page declaration filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Calling Katherine Jackson "a wonderful caretaker and guardian" who has done "an excellent job raising our children and other grandchildren," Joe, who makes his permanent home in Las Vegas, admitted that he only occasionally visits the family's Encino, Calif., compound.

"I have had a close family relationship with these grandchildren since their birth," he stated. "I do visit the family residence from time to time and will continue to do so, however I will not be involved in raising the children."

So, sad news? Or the best thing to ever happen to those kids?

Michael Jackson talked extensively some years ago about growing up in an abusive household, though Joe has since denied being physically violent with his children. He recently told Larry King that he "didn't make no mistakes" as a parent.

And yet he wasn't mentioned in Michael's will. Fancy that.

But while Joe wants to remain on the sidelines for this bout of child-raising, Michael's longtime dermatologist, Arnold Klein, wants to be a key player.

Attorneys for the Beverly Hills doctor are planning to petition the court for influence in the future upbringing of Jackson's children.

"Dr. Klein has been involved with the children in sharing holidays and other special events and wishes to have the ability to continue his involvement as a very close friend of their father and offers his guidance and protection forever," his legal team said in a statement yesterday.

So even if Joe Jackson wanted more say in his grandkids' lives, he'd have to get in line.