Janet Jackson has been married three times to three different husbands: James DeBarge, René Elizondo Jr., and Wissam Al Mana. While her legendary music career has spanned decades in the global spotlight, her personal life has frequently captured international attention through high-profile romances, secret ceremonies, and heavily publicized breakups.
Understanding Janet Jackson's marital history requires looking past tabloid rumors to examine the actual timelines, legal outcomes, and personal realities behind each relationship. From an teenage elopement in the 1980s to a secret decade-long marriage and a high-profile union with a billionaire, here is the complete history of Janet Jackson's marriages.
James DeBarge (1984–1985)
Janet Jackson's first walk down the aisle happened when she was just eighteen years old. In September 1984, she eloped with James DeBarge, a member of the famous R&B family group DeBarge.
The marriage took place during a tumultuous period in Jackson's early life, as she sought independence from her father and manager, Joe Jackson. However, the union faced immense pressure immediately. James DeBarge struggled with substance abuse issues, which heavily strained the relationship from the start.
The marriage did not last. By late 1985, the union was officially annulled rather than ended through a standard divorce. For decades, persistent tabloid rumors claimed that Janet and James had a secret child together during this period. Janet firmly debunked these claims during her self-titled documentary series Janet, stating clearly that she never hid a child from anyone.
René Elizondo Jr. (1991–2003)
Janet's second marriage was defined by extreme secrecy. In March 1991, she quietly married Mexican dancer, songwriter, and music video director René Elizondo Jr. in a private ceremony.
Remarkably, the marriage remained a complete secret from the public and the media for nearly a decade. While they walked red carpets and attended high-profile events together, the public generally viewed Elizondo simply as her long-term boyfriend. Behind closed doors, the pair built an extensive creative partnership, co-writing dozens of songs together during the peak of Jackson's global chart dominance.
The relationship fractured around 2000, when separation rumors finally leaked to the press. The split turned contentious during legal proceedings. Elizondo filed for divorce, followed by a multi-million dollar lawsuit claiming he signed their prenuptial agreement under pressure. The former couple eventually reached a private multi-million dollar settlement in 2003, officially closing the chapter on her longest marriage.
Wissam Al Mana (2012–2017)
Following her marriage to Elizondo, Jackson spent several years in a high-profile, non-marital relationship with record producer Jermaine Dupri from 2002 to 2009. After that relationship ended, she met Qatari billionaire businessman Wissam Al Mana.
The pair began dating around 2010 and tied the knot in a quiet, private ceremony in 2012. For years, they kept their domestic life relatively private. In January 2017, at the age of 50, Janet gave birth to their son, Eissa Al Mana.
The joy of welcoming their first child was short-lived. Shortly after Eissa's birth, the couple separated, with reports citing irreconcilable differences and contrasting cultural expectations. Their divorce was finalized quietly, and Jackson settled back into raising her son primarily as a single mother while maintaining a strict boundary around her personal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Janet Jackson been married?
Janet Jackson has been married three times. Her husbands were James DeBarge (1984–1985), René Elizondo Jr. (1991–2003), and Wissam Al Mana (2012–2017).
Does Janet Jackson have children?
Yes. She shares one son, Eissa Al Mana, born in January 2017, with her third ex-husband Wissam Al Mana.
Was Janet Jackson married to Jermaine Dupri?
No. Despite dating for seven years between 2002 and 2009, Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri never married. They split up due to distance and shifting personal priorities.
Why was Janet Jackson's second marriage a secret?
Janet and René Elizondo Jr. chose to keep their 1991 marriage hidden to protect her personal life and maintain a sense of normalcy away from relentless media scrutiny during the height of her pop superstardom.
