Early Life and Education of Justin Timberlake: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Justin Timberlake. A timeline of key moments.

Justin Timberlake, often called the "Prince of Pop", is a highly successful American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and dancer. He is recognized as one of the best-selling music artists ever. Timberlake's accolades include ten Grammy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and numerous other prestigious awards, solidifying his impact on the entertainment industry. Billboard recognized him as one of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

January 31, 1981: Justin Timberlake's Birth

On January 31, 1981, Justin Randall Timberlake was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to Janet Lynn (née Bomar) Harless and Charles Randall Timberlake. He later became a prominent singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer, known as the "Prince of Pop".

1995: Joins NSYNC

In 1995, Justin Timberlake recruited JC Chasez to join an all-male singing group formed by Chris Kirkpatrick and financed by Lou Pearlman, which later became known as NSYNC, marking a significant step in his career.

1995: NSYNC Formation

In 1995, the boy band NSYNC was formed, featuring Justin Timberlake as one of the lead singers. This marked the beginning of a significant phase in his early career.

1997: Death of Half-Sister Laura Katherine

In 1997, Justin Timberlake's half-sister, Laura Katherine, passed away shortly after birth. This event is acknowledged in his album NSYNC as "My Angel in Heaven."

2000: Britney Spears' Pregnancy and Abortion

In late 2000, during Justin Timberlake's relationship with Britney Spears, Spears became pregnant and had an abortion after Timberlake said they were not prepared for parenthood.

2001: Writing 'Gone' for Michael Jackson

Around 2001, Justin Timberlake wrote the single "Gone" for Michael Jackson; however, Jackson turned it down, leading to NSYNC recording the song instead.

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2001: Creation of Justin Timberlake Foundation

Since 2001, Justin Timberlake created the "Justin Timberlake Foundation", which initially funded music education programs in schools, but now has a much broader agenda.

July 2002: Hollywood Hills Mansion Purchase

In July 2002, Justin Timberlake purchased a 13,250-square-foot mansion in Hollywood Hills for $8.3 million from Helen Hunt.

2002: NSYNC's Dissolution and Timberlake's Solo Plans

By 2002, NSYNC went on an indefinite hiatus, leading Justin Timberlake to partner with Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes and Timbaland to begin working on new music, solidifying his decision to go solo.

2002: NSYNC's Indefinite Hiatus

In 2002, after completing the Celebrity Tour, NSYNC went on an indefinite hiatus, marking a transition in Justin Timberlake's career toward solo endeavors.

2002: First Celebrity on Punk'd

Near the end of 2002, Justin Timberlake was the first celebrity to be featured on Ashton Kutcher's show Punk'd. He later admitted he was under the influence of cannabis during the prank. Three episodes later, Timberlake "punk'd" Kelly Osbourne, becoming the first celebrity to appear on the show more than once.

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2003: MTV Video Music Awards Kiss

In 2003, Britney Spears and Madonna kissed at the MTV Video Music Awards.

2003: Opening of "Chi" Restaurant

In 2003, Justin Timberlake co-owned opened the "Chi" restaurant in West Hollywood, California.

2004: Focus on Acting Career After Super Bowl Incident

In 2004, following the Super Bowl incident, Justin Timberlake opted out of an NSYNC reunion and focused on his acting career, starring in several feature films.

May 5, 2005: Throat Surgery

On May 5, 2005, Justin Timberlake underwent surgery to remove nodules from his throat and was advised to rest his voice for several months.

2005: Launch of William Rast clothing line

In 2005, Justin Timberlake launched the William Rast clothing line with his childhood friend Juan ("Trace") Ayala.

2006: Opening of "Destino" Restaurant

In 2006, Justin Timberlake co-owned opened the "Destino" restaurant in New York.

November 2007: Donation to Wildlife Warriors

In November 2007, Justin Timberlake donated $100,000 from takings from his Australian tour to Wildlife Warriors founded by Steve Irwin.

2007: Opening of "Southern Hospitality" Restaurant

In 2007, Justin Timberlake co-owned opened the "Southern Hospitality" restaurant in New York.

March 23, 2008: Donations to Memphis Museums

On March 23, 2008, Justin Timberlake donated $100,000 to the Memphis Rock N' Soul Museum and another $100,000 to the Memphis Music Foundation.

July 25, 2009: Reopening of Mirimichi Golf Course

On July 25, 2009, Justin Timberlake reopened the redeveloped Big Creek Golf Course as the eco-friendly Mirimichi Golf Course in Millington, Tennessee.

January 15, 2010: Closing of Mirimichi Golf Course for further improvements

On January 15, 2010, Justin Timberlake's Mirimichi Golf Course closed again for further improvements.

2010: Hope for Haiti Now Telethon Performance

In 2010, Justin Timberlake performed "Hallelujah" at the Hope for Haiti Now telethon, with proceeds from digital downloads donated to relief efforts in Haiti.

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2010: SoHo Unit Purchase

In 2010, Justin Timberlake purchased a unit at 311 West Broadway in SoHo, formerly owned by Oscar de la Renta, for $6.56 million.

December 2011: Engagement to Jessica Biel

In December 2011, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel became engaged.

October 19, 2012: Marriage to Jessica Biel

On October 19, 2012, Justin Timberlake married Jessica Biel at the Borgo Egnazia resort in Fasano, Italy.

2012: End of Involvement with Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

In 2012, Justin Timberlake ended his involvement with the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open due to a perceived lack of engagement beyond the TV cameras.

2012: Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

In late 2012, Justin Timberlake and his wife Jessica Biel volunteered in Far Rockaway, Queens, to help distribute supplies after Hurricane Sandy.

November 7, 2014: Sale of Mirimichi Golf Course

On November 7, 2014, Justin Timberlake sold Mirimichi Golf Course to Three Star Leasing LLC for $500,000.

April 2015: Birth of First Child

In April 2015, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel welcomed their first child, a son.

2015: House Purchase in Yellowstone Club

In 2015, Justin Timberlake bought a house in the Yellowstone Club near Big Sky, Montana.

2016: Voting Booth Selfie Controversy

In 2016, Justin Timberlake shared a selfie inside a voting booth on Instagram during the presidential election, which was an illegal act at the time, leading to a bill in Tennessee allowing photos in voting poll stations with some exceptions.

2016: Featured in a New Version of "Where Is the Love?"

In 2016, Justin Timberlake was featured in a new version of "Where Is the Love?", with proceeds of the charity single going to educational programs.

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May 2017: Penthouse Purchase in Tribeca

In May 2017, Justin Timberlake and his wife, Jessica Biel, paid $20.2 million for a 5,375-square-foot penthouse unit at 443 Greenwich Street in Tribeca, Manhattan.

2017: Fundraising for Manchester Arena Bombing Victims

In 2017, Justin Timberlake and Eminem helped raise over $2 million for Manchester Arena bombing victims.

2018: SoHo Unit Sale at a Loss

In 2018, Justin Timberlake sold his SoHo unit for $6.35 million, incurring a loss from the purchase price.

May 2019: Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music

In May 2019, Justin Timberlake received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music.

2019: Contemporary Icon Award and Honorary Doctorate

In 2019, Justin Timberlake received a Contemporary Icon Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music.

July 2020: Birth of Second Child

In July 2020, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel had their second son.

May 2022: Sale of Musical Catalog to Hipgnosis

In May 2022, Justin Timberlake sold the rights to his entire musical catalog, around 200 songs he wrote or co-wrote, to Hipgnosis Song Management for $100 million.

2022: Investment in Greenville 3's Golf Course

In 2022, Justin Timberlake invested in Greenville, South Carolina par-3 golf course Greenville 3's.

2023: Spears' Memoir: The Woman in Me

In 2023, Britney Spears wrote in her memoir "The Woman in Me" about her pregnancy during her relationship with Justin Timberlake and subsequent abortion in 2000.

The Woman in Me

Check it on Amazon

June 18, 2024: Arrest for Driving While Intoxicated

Shortly after midnight on June 18, 2024, Justin Timberlake was arrested in Sag Harbor, New York for driving while intoxicated (DWI).

June 21, 2024: Concert in Chicago

On June 21, 2024, following his DWI arrest, Justin Timberlake performed a concert in Chicago where he appeared to address the arrest.

June 22, 2024: Bartender Confirmation of Timberlake's Martini Consumption

On June 22, 2024, bartender employees confirmed that Justin Timberlake only had one martini while at the hotel bar before his DWI arrest.

July 26, 2024: Scheduled Court Return

Justin Timberlake was scheduled to return to court on July 26, 2024 following his DWI arrest.

July 2025: Lyme Disease Diagnosis

At the end of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour in July 2025, Justin Timberlake revealed he had been diagnosed with Lyme disease and shared his decision to continue touring despite the challenges.