Celebrity Pet Project: Furry and FamousLa Toya Jackson explains why she gave her dog, Prince, the same name as her brother Michael’s sons
"Prince" sure is a popular name in the Jackson family! Not only did the late Michael give it to both of his sons (Prince Michael and Prince Michael II), but his sister La Toya is also a fan of the majestic moniker, which she bestowed upon her beloved pet Pomeranian. So when we caught up with the "Celebrity Apprentice: All Stars" contestant in New York City recently — and she had Prince the pooch in tow — we had to ask: What is it with the Jacksons and that royal name?
According to the "Life With La Toya" star, she was actually an early adopter of Prince (she liked it because it was the name of her maternal grandfather), and it was her famous little brother who followed her lead. "I've always named all my dogs Prince … since I was 16 years old," the 56-year-old tells omg!. "Actually, Prince and Paris," the latter also being the name of Michael's daughter.
La Toya explains that it all stems back to a name pact she made years ago with her brother and her best friend Kathy Hilton (yes, Paris' mom), who she has known since they were 12 years old. "It's so funny because when we were growing up, we all said that we were going to [one day] have children. And I told them, 'Well, I'm going to name my first son Prince and my first daughter Paris.' We all said it. Then Kathy had kids, she did it. Michael had kids, he did it. And me, well, I only had dogs!"
So through the years, La Toya has recycled the names Prince and Paris on her various four-legged friends, including her current pup Prince, who is treated like royalty! When we spoke with La Toya, the 5-year-old pooch was being looked after by a handler nearby. While he waited for his owner to return, he was nestled cozily in a Louis Vuitton dog carrier, a posh product that retails for upwards of $2,300. Sounds like a life fit for a Prince.
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