(CNN) -- Michael Jackson and Diana Ross shared a bond that he apparently thought would last long after his death. Michael Jackson and Diana Ross at the 1981 American Music Awards. In his will Jackson wanted Ross -- who took him under her wing and who he called one of his dearest friends -- to take care of his children if his mother, Katherine Jackson, was not alive or was unable to do so. While the public may have been surprised at Jackson's decision, the two have a long history together. "I think it's very interesting," Jermaine Jackson, Michael's brother told CNN's Larry King on Thursday. "There's been a long, close relationship with Michael and Diana for many, many years. And I think it's great." Watch Jermaine Jackson on Michael's death »
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Michael Jackson, Diana Ross met when he was 9 years old
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Jackson wrote in will he wanted Ross to take care of his kids if mother was unable
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Essence managing editor: Pair shared a bond, Ross is a great mother
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Jackson told Ebony in 1982: "I can tell her anything, the most private of secrets"
"@placeholder, very dear friend Diana Ross," he said when asked who he considered to be his closest friends.