Celebrity gossip website TMZ reported yesterday that Jackson made the promise at the weekend at a concert in Saratoga, where he was performing with his brothers Tito, Marlon and Jackie.

''We're one ... the Jackson family is one. We are one family and we will heal, I promise you,'' TMZ quoted him as telling fans.

According to the report, Jermaine's mother, Katherine, and Michael's children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, who range in age from 10 to 15, were in the audience.

The judge overseeing the guardianship of the children said on Friday that he wanted an independent investigation into their wellbeing.

The order followed nearly a week of turmoil in the late pop star's family, including a driveway dispute between relatives on Monday last week and the absence and return of their grandmother.

Superior Court judge Mitchell Beckloff's order was made as the attorney for Jackson's mother, Katherine, 82, said she will share guardianship of the singer's three children in a deal that will relieve her of some of the day-to-day stresses of managing a famous family.

The decision was made after a meeting between Katherine Jackson and lawyer Perry Sanders on Thursday. He said Michael Jackson's eldest son has told attorneys that he approves of the arrangement.

The proposal could be presented to the judge this week. If approved, it would make Tito Joe "TJ" Jackson, the son of Michael Jackson's brother, Tito, a co-guardian of the children.

The judge on Wednesday suspended Katherine Jackson's guardianship temporarily and appointed TJ Jackson as temporary guardian.

The judge said there were no indications that Katherine Jackson had done anything wrong, and he would probably reinstate her as guardian on her return.

Katherine Jackson had been at an Arizona spa since July 15 with her daughter, Rebbie, and other relatives, and had not spoken to her grandchildren during that time.