Paris Jackson on why Michael Jackson chose Elizabeth Taylor as her godmother

Paris Jackson understands exactly why her father wanted her to be with his dear friend, Oscar-winning screen legend Elizabeth Taylor.

Paris, 26, appears in the new three-part BBC documentary series Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel superstar. In the first episode, she explains why she believes her father chose Taylor to be her godmother.

“I think because I grew up in the spotlight. There was definitely a part of him that knew we would have a very similar experience,” she says.

“I was homeschooled so I don't know what it was like to be around other kids my age. Hanging out with adults all the time. And I think it was the same with her.”

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At the start of the episode, Paris comments on the strange experience of growing up as the daughter of one of the most famous men in the world. Michael died in 2009 at the age of 50; his middle child and only daughter were 11 years old at the time. (Her brothers are Prince Michael Jackson, 27, and Bigi Jackson, 22.)

“I can’t speak for everyone who grows up in the spotlight,” she says, “but there’s nothing normal about it.”

Paris was just a week and a half away from her 13th birthday when Taylor died in 2011 at age 79, but she dedicated herself to learning more about the star's true passion – her mission to address the ignorance and fear surrounding HIV and HIV Fighting AIDS – and her continuing legacy as founder of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Speaking to PEOPLE about her role as an ETAF ambassador in 2021, Paris shared some of her memories of her godmother.

“Of course, I was a little girl back then, so I can’t share any conversations or specific memories with my godmother. But in my mind's eye, I can remember my dad talking to Elizabeth a few times at our house in Encino,” she shared.

Paris recalled that Taylor stood out as one of the women who frequently visited, recalling, “She was very pretty and wore sparkling necklaces and rings.”

“Elizabeth was an exception. “I didn’t know who she was or what she did and it wasn’t until years later that I found out,” she continued. “I just remember always wanting to bring her little gifts when we visited her, like stuffed animals or bracelets that I found. Most of the time I just sat on her bedroom floor with her cat, Fang, while she and my dad caught up.

Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel superstar Also includes interviews with Joan Collins, Sharon Stone and Kim Kardashian, who executive produced the documentary series. Episodes 2 and 3 will air on the BBC on October 4th and 11th respectively.