Michael Jackson July 4th Gossip Round-Up: His14K Gold Casket, Octomom & More!

The Michael Jackson gossip continues to flow on Independence Day, and while you're out cooking on the grill and enjoying fireworks, we're here slaving away bringing you all the latest. Today in MJ gossip is a sneak peek at MJ's 14K gold-plated, velvet lined casket, and the juicy rumor that he wanted to adopt Octomom's babies. Oh, and he also planned a duet in London with his son.

The Funeral Fit for a Pharaoh

King Tutankhamun would have been proud. Once the circus has ended on Tuesday, Michael Jackson will be buried, but he won't be buried in just any old wooden box. No, no, no, that certainly would not be fitting of the king of pop. Instead, a custom made casket was ordered from Batesville Casket Company. The model - called a Promethean - will feature flame blue velvet interior and a hand-polished, 14K gold mirror finish. The price tag? $25,000. This extremely rare casket was also used to bury James Brown.

Jackson Wanted to Adopt the Infamous Octuplets!

When Nadya Suleman gave birth to octuplets earlier this year, several celebrities came forth offering their help. But here's one that we didn't hear about until this week. According to Octomom's publicist, Victor Munoz, Jackson wanted to adopt Nadya's eight babies. He apparently thought she was an unfit mother (don't we all?!), and thought that he might be able to pick up some playmates for his youngest son, Prince Michael II (aka Blanket). Munoz claims that, after members of Jackson's camp called him to ask about the kids, the singer himself placed a call.

Jackson reportedly said:

"Blanket would love to have more siblings. I could take care of all the babies, they could live with me and wouldn’t need for anything. They would have a bright future...I want to take care of Nadya. She will be happy and won’t have to worry about caring for her children any more.”

Munoz said he blew off MJ's offer because he knew Nadya wouldn't give up the kids.

Jackson Was Planning a Duet with Son in London

According to Us Weekly, Jackson was set to perform a duet with his son, Prince, 12, during his sold-out London concerts. MJ's publicist, Stuart Backerman said:

"He was planning on doing a short duet with his son, Prince. He knew his kids would enjoy it.

He wanted his kids to see him perform at least once to get the vibe of the Michael Jackson mania."