Janet Jackson's Three Secret Husbands: The Shocking Timeline Of Annulments, Billionaires, And A $200M Divorce
Janet Jackson, the undisputed Queen of Pop, has maintained a fiercely private personal life throughout her decades-long career, making her romantic history one of the most speculated topics in music history. Despite being a global superstar, the details of her three marriages—one annulled, one secretly divorced, and one ending in a high-stakes settlement—have only emerged years later, painting a complex picture of a woman determined to keep her love life separate from her public persona. As of late 2025, the legendary singer is currently single, focusing on her son and her ongoing touring career.
The public perception often simplifies her romantic journey, but a closer look at her three former husbands—a fellow musician, a long-time collaborator, and a Qatari billionaire—reveals a pattern of seeking deep connection away from the blinding spotlight of the Jackson family legacy. This is a definitive look at the men who married Ms. Jackson and the dramatic timelines of her most significant relationships.
Janet Damita Jo Jackson: A Complete Biographical Profile
Janet Damita Jo Jackson was born on May 16, 1966, in Gary, Indiana, as the youngest of ten children to Joseph and Katherine Jackson. Her early life was immersed in the world of music and performance, owing to the unprecedented success of her older brothers, The Jackson 5.
- Full Name: Janet Damita Jo Jackson
- Born: May 16, 1966 (Age 59 as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Gary, Indiana, U.S.
- Parents: Joseph Jackson and Katherine Jackson
- Siblings: Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Randy, and the late Michael Jackson.
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Dancer
- Career Highlights: Known for her innovative, socially conscious, and sexually provocative records, including seminal albums like Control (1986), Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), and The Velvet Rope (1997). She is one of the best-selling artists of all time.
- Child: Eissa Al Mana (b. 2017)
Janet’s path to finding her own voice and independence, famously documented in her Control album, often mirrored her journey in relationships, which were frequently marked by secrecy and a desire to rebel against her controlling father, Joseph Jackson.
The Three Men Who Married Ms. Jackson: A Timeline of Secrecy and Separation
Janet Jackson has been married three times, with each relationship dramatically different in its public profile and duration. Her marriages span from a rebellious teenage elopement to a quiet union with a business mogul.
1. James DeBarge (1984–1985): The Teenage Annulment
Janet’s first marriage was a short, impulsive act of rebellion against her family. At the age of 18, she eloped with singer James DeBarge, a member of the popular Motown group DeBarge.
- Spouse: James DeBarge (Singer/Musician)
- Married: September 7, 1984
- Ended: Annulled in November 1985
- Key Detail: The marriage was kept secret and annulled after less than a year. Janet later revealed that the relationship was fraught with tension due to DeBarge’s struggles with substance abuse, a situation she felt compelled to prioritize over her own well-being. This tumultuous period occurred just before she released her breakthrough, independently-minded album, Control.
Despite persistent rumors over the years that the couple had a secret child, Janet Jackson has repeatedly and emphatically denied this claim, stating that she has only one child, her son Eissa.
2. René Elizondo Jr. (1991–2003): The Nine-Year Secret
Her second marriage was perhaps the most private, lasting over a decade but remaining a complete secret to the public for much of its duration. René Elizondo Jr. was a Mexican dancer, songwriter, and music video director who collaborated with Janet on her creative projects, including the iconic "That's the Way Love Goes" video.
- Spouse: René Elizondo Jr. (Dancer/Director/Songwriter)
- Married: March 31, 1991
- Ended: Divorced in 2003
- Key Detail: The couple kept their marriage a secret for nearly nine years until their separation in 1999. The divorce was finalized in 2003 and involved a substantial financial settlement, as revealed in court documents. Elizondo was a co-writer on several tracks on her critically acclaimed album The Velvet Rope.
The intense secrecy surrounding this union highlights Janet's deep-seated need for privacy, a theme that would carry into her next high-profile relationship.
3. Wissam Al Mana (2012–2017): The Billionaire and Motherhood
Janet’s third husband was Qatari billionaire businessman Wissam Al Mana. The two began dating around 2010 and quietly tied the knot in 2012, keeping the news under wraps until 2013 when they confirmed their secret nuptials.
- Spouse: Wissam Al Mana (Qatari Billionaire/Businessman)
- Married: 2012
- Ended: Separated in April 2017; Divorce finalized later.
- Key Detail: The marriage produced Janet's only child, a son named Eissa Al Mana, born in January 2017, just months before the couple announced their separation. The separation occurred after exactly five years of marriage, a detail which was significant due to reports of a prenuptial agreement that allegedly included a substantial payout—potentially up to $200 million—if the marriage lasted five years or produced a child.
- Son: Eissa Al Mana, born January 3, 2017.
The divorce was reportedly messy, with Janet's brother Randy Jackson publicly expressing concerns about the relationship. This marriage marked a significant shift in Janet's life, as she embraced motherhood in her fifties and adjusted to a more private lifestyle that included spending time in Al Mana's native Middle East.
Current Relationship Status and The Legacy of Privacy (Late 2025 Update)
As of late 2025, Janet Jackson is officially divorced from Wissam Al Mana and is not currently married. Following her 2017 separation, the legendary artist has remained focused on raising her son, Eissa, and revitalizing her career with major touring efforts, including her successful "Together Again" tour.
Her focus on privacy remains paramount. While she was previously in a long-term relationship with music producer Jermaine Dupri from 2002 to 2009 (a relationship that did not lead to marriage), her life post-Wissam Al Mana has been characterized by single-minded dedication to her family and work.
In a recent example of the public's continued fascination with her love life, Janet sparked romance rumors in late 2024 when she was seen holding hands with fellow R&B singer Maxwell during a night out in London. However, sources close to the star quickly debunked the speculation, confirming that the two musicians are simply long-time friends and collaborators. This swift clarification underscores Janet’s commitment to controlling the narrative around her personal life, a lesson learned over decades in the spotlight.
Janet Jackson's journey through three marriages—to James DeBarge, René Elizondo Jr., and Wissam Al Mana—is a testament to her determination to experience love on her own terms, often in secret, away from the prying eyes of the world. Her history demonstrates that for a global icon, maintaining a private personal life is a constant, deliberate act, and her current status as a powerhouse single mother continues to solidify her legacy as a woman in control.
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