While big brother Marcus thrives in the spotlight, Jasmine Jordan, Michael’s youngest, has quietly charted her own path. In 2019, she gifted her grandparents their very first joy with the birth of Rakeem Michael Christmas, only to watch headlines explode when MJ admitted he’d bristled at the ‘Grandad’ title. Now, as little Rakeem turns six, Jasmine pauses to salute the village that carried her through those early, sleepless months.

Now 32, Jasmine married ex-NBA player Rakeem Christmas in 2018 before their recent split. Although she and Christmas separated months ago, Jasmine initially struggled with her motherhood duties. “He was about six months, he wasn’t sleeping, he wasn’t eating…” During an episode of the Birth Queen podcast, Michael Jordan’s daughter opened up on the trials of parenting. In fact, she even questioned her own abilities as a parent.

“I was like, maybe I am not doing the right things as his mother.” A visit to the pediatrician solved the issue that night and helped her learn a valuable lesson. “I need to lean on my tribe, lean on those around me, and everything will be alright.” Since that scare, Jasmine has marked every milestone—from kindergarten drop-off to birthday bashes—on Instagram. In that process, she hasn’t forgotten her ‘tribe‘ and gave them a special shout-out after the celebratory week in Rakeem’s life.

“It takes a village — and this ain’t even half of mine. Im thankful for my V I L L A G E. 🫶🏾🥹.” The latest Instagram post from Michael Jordan’s daughter was from the 6th birthday party of Rakeem

“I love the month of May because of you. I love my mornings + sleepless nights because of you.” Jasmine uploaded a long, heartfelt post about her son as the birthday “was solidified with his baptism.” She continued, “I love being a mom but specifically your mom. I now have a 6yr old (WOAH) and each year, my son amazes me!! Being his mother is a blessing. I don’t take it for granted.”

Though she once questioned her parenting instincts, she says those doubts are gone. Similarly, His Airness had to adjust to the new nickname, and it has a story of its own.

Sneak peek into Michael Jordan’s role as a grandfather

Back in 2020, Jasmine opened up about MJ’s surprising transition into his grandpa’s role during an interview with Andscape. “It took him a minute to actually understand like, ‘Dang, I’m a grandpa,’” she shared. The growing into that role was a little difficult for the 6x NBA champion, and it showed in his hesitance to accept the moniker. Even though his ex-wife, Juanita, is all-in with being called “Glamma”.

“At first, he wanted my son to call him ‘Mike’ or ‘Michael,’ and I’m like, ‘Dad, we’re not doing this. You have to accept the grandpa title. It is what it is.” With many titles around his name, being a grandpa was an emotional one. She revealed during an interview with ESSENCE in 2021. But the love showed a different side of His Airness that many are not privy to.

As Jasmine revealed in another interview, even though the title took some time, Michael Jordan was already hands-on with his grandson. Once called a ruthless athlete by many, Jordan became a “softie” for his grandson. Jasmine also explained that the sporting aspect will be instilled, eventually. With MJ coming back to NBC will give a good history lesson for Rakeem to enjoy. That might become the source of inspiration for him to start hooping.