Jackson ex-wife 'reaching out to his family'

The former wife of Michael Jackson has reportedly reached out to his family following his death on Thursday.

Debbie Rowe, a former nurse, was married to Jackson from 1996 until 1999. They had two children together, Prince Michael Jackson I and Paris Michael Katherine.

Speaking to People, friend Marc Schaffel said: "We've been trying to reach them at different numbers, but we don't know if who we've been leaving messages with have gotten the messages.

"In all fairness I wouldn't say they are avoiding her, our understanding is that the Jackson family does want to have contact with Debbie."

Schaffel added that Rowe was "absolutely devastated" by the death of her ex-husband, explaining: "They had an incredible bond and friendship even prior to the marriage... Debbie was a very good friend to Michael during all those years."

He refused to confirm whether Rowe has spoken with her children in the last few days, saying only that she "understood it was a very difficult time" for his family.