MICHAEL JACKSON's family wants the star's coffin be put on display at the upcoming memorial service in Los Angeles, according to organisers.
The late singer will be honoured in a special ceremony at L.A.'s Staples Center on Tuesday (07Jul09), with his family, fans and celebrity pals expected to pay their last respects at the event.
The Staples Centre is owned by AEG, the concert promoter behind Jackson's London comeback shows, and company boss Randy Phillips has been involved in putting together the tribute.
He says, "Tuesday is not a show - it's a service. It will be a celebration of his life, not a circus. We are trying to keep this reverential and tasteful. It's going to be beautiful.
"We are still trying to figure out the logistics of getting Michael to the arena. There will be no funeral procession. Whatever happens, it is all about Michael's spirit and his life. Even if his body is not there, he will be there in spirit." A source adds to British newspaper the Mail on Sunday, "(Jackson's mother) Katherine would like the coffin to be in the arena during the service, with one of Michael's trademark sequined gloves and a black fedora on top. She thinks that would be a powerful and fitting image."