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LOS ANGELES: Michael Jackson's private family funeral was fit for a king and had a price tag to match: roughly $1 million, according to court documents released on Tuesday.

Although Jackson died in June and had a large public tribute at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in July, the private family funeral held on Sept 3 appeared to have been arranged with urgency.

Legal requests for payments filed with estate administrators by attorneys for Michael Jackson's mother only three days before the scheduled burial noted that if payment was not received by the funeral home and the Glendale Police Department by Sept 1, "the funeral will not proceed".

The lawyers warned that such a development would cause Katherine Jackson and the family "public embarrassment and added grief, along with the daunting task of having to make new arrangements".

There was no indication of resistance by the administrators, who approved payment of all expenses and reimbursement of Michael Jackson's sister Janet for an advance payment to Forest Lawn-Glendale of $49,000.

The final tally of costs included $855,730 to Forest Lawn for cemetery and funeral charges including the purchase of other plots within the same mausoleum that houses Jackson's body.

Questions:

1. How much was Michael Jackson’s private funeral estimated to cost?

2. When was the private ceremony held?

3. What was the final tally of costs?

Answers:

1. Roughly $1 million dollars.

2. September 3.

3. $855,730.

（英語點津 Helen 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Chantal Anderson is a multimedia journalist at the China Daily Web site. Originally from Seattle, Washington she has found her way around the world doing photo essays in Greece, Mexico and Thailand. She is currently completing a double degree in Journalism and International Studies from the University of Washington.