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 an iconic American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. Recognized for her innovative and socially conscious music, she is known for her sexually provocative records and elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreography played a pivotal role in MTV's growth, breaking gender and racial barriers, which elevated her to prominence. The lyrical content, addressing social issues and personal experiences, resonated with a young audience, contributing significantly to her widespread appeal.

Sections (5)

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

May 16, 1966: Janet Jackson Born

On May 16, 1966, Janet Damita Jo Jackson, an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer, was born. She is considered a pop icon known for her innovative records and stage shows.

Others born on this day/year

March 1969: Jackson 5 Signs with Motown

In March 1969, Janet Jackson's brothers, the Jackson 5, signed a record deal with Motown and soon had their first number-one hit, leading the family to move to Los Angeles.

1982: Emergence as a Recording Artist

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

September 1984: Elopement with James DeBarge

In September 1984, at the age of 18, Janet Jackson eloped with singer James DeBarge, marking her first marriage.

November 1985: Marriage to James DeBarge Annulled

In November 1985, Janet Jackson's marriage to James DeBarge was annulled, ending their brief union.

1986: Relationship with René Elizondo Jr. Begins

In 1986, Janet Jackson began dating dancer, songwriter, and director René Elizondo Jr., leading to a secret marriage in 1991.

1990: Rhythm Nation World Tour and Scholarship

In 1990, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 became the most successful debut tour in history, and she established the Rhythm Nation Scholarship, donating funds to educational programs. She was also acknowledged for the cultural impact of her music.

March 1991: Marriage to René Elizondo Jr.

In March 1991, Janet Jackson married dancer, songwriter, and director René Elizondo Jr. The marriage was kept secret until later revealed during divorce proceedings.

January 1999: Separation from René Elizondo Jr.

Janet Jackson and René Elizondo Jr. separated in January 1999, leading to their eventual divorce.

May 2000: Divorce from René Elizondo Jr. Made Public

In May 2000, the divorce between Janet Jackson and René Elizondo Jr. was made public, revealing their long-secret marriage.

September 2002: Relationship with Jermaine Dupri Begins

In September 2002, Janet Jackson began dating music producer, rapper, and songwriter Jermaine Dupri, marking the start of their relationship.

October 2003: Divorce from René Elizondo Jr. Finalized

In October 2003, the divorce between Janet Jackson and René Elizondo Jr. was finalized, concluding their legal proceedings after a settlement was reached.

June 2005: Humanitarian Award by the Human Rights Campaign and AIDS Project Los Angeles

In June 2005, Janet Jackson received a Humanitarian Award by the Human Rights Campaign and AIDS Project Los Angeles for raising money for AIDS charities.

October 2006: Introduction to Wissam Al Mana

In October 2006, Janet Jackson was introduced to Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana, marking the beginning of their acquaintance.

June 2009: Death of Michael Jackson

In June 2009, Janet Jackson's brother, Michael Jackson, died at age fifty. She spoke publicly about his death at the BET Awards.

2009: End of Relationship with Jermaine Dupri

In 2009, Janet Jackson's relationship with music producer Jermaine Dupri ended, concluding their romance that began in 2002.

2010: Dating Wissam Al Mana

In 2010, Janet Jackson began dating Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana.

2012: Marriage to Wissam Al Mana

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

2012: Endorsement of Nutrisystem and charitable contributions

In 2012, Janet Jackson endorsed Nutrisystem's weight-loss program and donated ten million dollars in meals to the hungry. She was also honored by amfAR and participated in a UNICEF public service announcement.

April 6, 2016: Postponement of Tour for Family Planning

On April 6, 2016, Janet Jackson postponed her tour to focus on "planning her family" with her husband Wissam Al Mana.

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, with Wissam Al Mana.

April 2017: Separation from Wissam Al Mana Reported

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

September 7, 2017: Resumption of Unbreakable World Tour as State of the World Tour

On September 7, 2017, Janet Jackson resumed her Unbreakable World Tour, rebranding it as the State of the World Tour and refocusing its theme to reflect socially conscious messages.

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.

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

On March 8, 2023, Lifetime and A&E greenlit a follow-up documentary series, "Janet Jackson: Family First", which follows Janet as she prepares for her Together Again Tour and reunites the family band with her brother Randy.