Jackson relative describes private funeral

Michael Jackson's cousin has revealed details about the private viewing and funeral service attended by his close friends and family this week.

David Fossett, who grew up with Jackson in Indiana, told People that his relatives had gathered at the Forest Lawn Cemetery on Monday night for a private, open-casket viewing of the singer.

"He looked like himself. He looked like he just was laying there sleeping. He looked peaceful. It was a sombre mood. Even though he's this big entertainer, he's still our family," he said.

Among those in attendance were his sister La Toya, brother Randy and 11-year-old daughter Paris. His parents Joe and Katherine did not attend the viewing and those present later returned to Jackson's family home in Encino.

Fossett went on to say that around 70 relatives gathered for a private Jehovah's Witness funeral conducted by another Jackson cousin the next morning, ahead of the public tribute at the Staples Centre.

He added that the family members, including Jackson's three children, held hands, cried and hugged throughout the ceremony.