Michael Jackson's body will be laid to rest on August 29 - the day the King of Pop would have turned 51, his father says.

Joe Jackson, 80, told AFP the birthday burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles would be a private event, but he could not say which family members would be present.

The star's interment is to be held more than two months after his June 25 death.

Authorities are investigating whether prescription drugs played a role in Jackson's death and have focused on the role played by his personal physician Conrad Murray.

Dr Murray was present at the time Jackson died and reportedly had admitted prescribing powerful anaesthetics to his world famous client.

Joe Jackson, who spoke to AFP in Las Vegas, says he plans to return to the city immediately after the burial service to attend a charity fundraiser at the famed Palms Casino Resort.

The event - Las Vegas celebrates the music of Michael Jackson - is to showcase Las Vegas strip entertainers singing hits made famous by the pop icon.

Later that day, the Jackson family patriarch is to receive a star in his late son's honour from the Brenden Theatres - a cinema at the Palms frequented by Jackson and his children.

The theatre also has planned a charity screening of the 1988 film Moonwalker - a feature film of Jackson concert footage and music video clips.

All proceeds will go to public school music education programs in Las Vegas.

(www.eduwo.com, Jainlyn&Charlotte)