Early Life and Education of Janet Jackson: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Janet Jackson. From birth to education, explore key events.

Janet Jackson is a highly influential American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. Known for her innovative and provocative music, she broke gender and racial barriers on MTV, becoming a prominent figure in pop culture. Her work often addresses social issues and personal experiences, establishing her as a role model. She is celebrated for elaborate stage shows, captivating choreography, and a sound that significantly impacted the music industry.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

May 16, 1966: Janet Jackson's Birth

On May 16, 1966, Janet Damita Jo Jackson was born. She later became a singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer known for her innovative, socially conscious, and sexually provocative work.

Others born on this day/year

March 1969: Jackson 5 Sign with Motown

In March 1969, Janet Jackson's brothers, known as the Jackson 5, signed a record deal with Motown, marking a significant step in their career.

1982: Start of Recording Career

In 1982, Janet Jackson emerged as a recording artist, striving to distance her professional career from that of her older brother Michael and the rest of the Jackson family.

September 1984: Marriage to James DeBarge

In September 1984, at age 18, Janet Jackson eloped with singer James DeBarge.

November 1985: Annulment from James DeBarge

In November 1985, Janet Jackson's marriage to James DeBarge was annulled.

March 1991: Marriage to René Elizondo Jr.

In March 1991, Janet Jackson married dancer, songwriter, and director René Elizondo Jr., keeping the union secret until the divorce.

October 2003: Divorce from René Elizondo Jr. finalized

In October 2003, Janet Jackson's divorce from René Elizondo Jr. was finalized after a settlement was reached regarding Elizondo's lawsuit.

June 2009: Death of Michael Jackson

In June 2009, Janet Jackson's brother Michael Jackson passed away at the age of fifty. Janet spoke publicly about his death at the 2009 BET Awards, expressing that Michael was an icon and family, and would forever live in their hearts.

2012: Marriage to Wissam Al Mana

In 2012, Janet Jackson and Wissam Al Mana became engaged and married privately.

2012: Endorsement of Nutrisystem and Contributions to AIDS Research

In 2012, Janet Jackson endorsed Nutrisystem, sponsoring their weight-loss program. Through the program, she donated ten million dollars in meals to the hungry. Also in 2012, she was honored by amfAR for her contributions to AIDS research while chairing the Cinema Against AIDS gala during the Cannes Film Festival and participated in a public service announcement for UNICEF to help starving children.

April 6, 2016: Postponement of Tour due to Family Planning

On April 6, 2016, Janet Jackson announced that she was "planning her family" with husband Wissam Al Mana, resulting in her postponing her tour.

January 2017: Birth of son, Eissa Al Mana

In January 2017, at the age of 50, Janet Jackson gave birth to her son, Eissa Al Mana.

April 2017: Separation from Wissam Al Mana

In April 2017, it was reported that Janet Jackson and Wissam Al Mana had separated and were pursuing a divorce, which Janet announced the following month.

September 7, 2017: Launch of State of the World Tour

On September 7, 2017, Janet Jackson launched the revamped State of the World Tour. The tour focused on socially conscious messages from Jackson's music catalog and opened to positive critical reception.

September 9, 2017: Donation to Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts

On September 9, 2017, proceeds from Janet Jackson's concert at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas were donated to relief efforts supporting evacuees of Hurricane Harvey. She also met with Houston mayor Sylvester Turner and evacuees prior to the performance.

March 8, 2023: Announcement of Janet Jackson: Family First Documentary Series

On March 8, 2023, Lifetime and A&E announced that it had greenlighted a follow-up documentary series, Janet Jackson: Family First. The series will follow Jackson as she prepares for her Together Again Tour as well as her and brother Randy's attempts to reunite the family band.

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