Janet Jackson officially shows off her baby bump for the first time exclusively with PEOPLE

Janet Jackson’s Radiant Journey to Motherhood at 50: A Blessing Celebrated

In a heartwarming announcement that captivated fans worldwide, Janet Jackson, the iconic singer and youngest member of the legendary Jackson family, confirmed her pregnancy at age 50 in an exclusive feature with PEOPLE magazine in October 2016. Radiating joy, Jackson proudly showcased her growing baby bump, declaring, “We thank God for our blessing.” The news, which followed her April 2016 decision to postpone her Unbreakable World Tour to focus on starting a family with her husband, Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana, marked a new chapter for the notoriously private star. As she prepares for motherhood, Jackson’s journey—marked by excitement, resilience, and a low-profile approach—has inspired fans and sparked widespread celebration. This 1000-word article explores her path to parenthood, the challenges of pregnancy at 50, and the cultural impact of her glowing moment.

A Joyful Announcement Amid Speculation

Janet Jackson’s pregnancy confirmation came as no surprise to fans who had been on “bump watch” since May 2016, when Entertainment Tonight first reported she was expecting her first child with Al Mana, whom she married in 2012. The announcement followed months of speculation, fueled by Jackson’s decision to halt her Unbreakable World Tour. In a video posted to Twitter (now X) on April 6, 2016, she told fans, “My husband and I are planning our family, so I’m going to have to delay the tour. I have to rest up, doctor’s orders.” The cryptic message, paired with her low profile, kept the rumor mill churning until her PEOPLE photoshoot, where she glowed in a white dress on a beach, cradling her bump. “She is super excited about her pregnancy and is doing extremely well,” a source close to the Jackson family told PEOPLE.

Jackson’s radiant announcement was a testament to her joy. The PEOPLE feature, accompanied by an exclusive photo, captured her serene confidence, with fans on X posting, “Janet at 50 is glowing! What a blessing!” Her brother Jermaine Jackson, a father of nine, shared his excitement with InStyle, saying, “She’ll be a great mother because she is very tough, very strict.” The confirmation quashed earlier doubts about whether Jackson would carry her own child or use a surrogate, with her visible bump proving she was embracing pregnancy herself.

Navigating Pregnancy at 50: A Rare Milestone

Jackson’s pregnancy at 50 was a rare and remarkable feat, drawing attention to the evolving landscape of late-in-life motherhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 743 women aged 50–54 gave birth in the U.S. in 2014, a sharp rise from 255 a decade earlier, driven by advances in fertility treatments. Dr. David Keefe, an obstetrician-gynecologist at NYU, noted, “It’s exceptionally rare for patients to get pregnant naturally at 50 or over 45. They make history.” While Jackson remained private about her fertility journey, speculation swirled about possible egg freezing or donor eggs, though egg freezing was considered experimental before 2012, making it unlikely for Jackson at the time.

Pregnancy at 50 carries risks, including genetic issues in eggs due to shorter telomeres, but Jackson’s health and optimism shone through. A source told E! News, “She has gained more weight than anticipated, but she’s excited to have her baby.” Her careful approach—staying on bed rest as advised by her sister La Toya—ensured a stress-free pregnancy. Jackson’s journey resonated with fans, with one X post reading, “Janet at 50 is proof age is just a number. She’s glowing and thriving!” Her story highlighted the empowerment of modern fertility options, though experts like Dr. Lora Shahine cautioned that celebrity pregnancies can create misconceptions about ease of conception at older ages.

A Private Star Prepares for Motherhood

Jackson, known for her fiercely private nature, kept a low profile during her pregnancy, with rare public appearances fueling excitement. In September 2016, she was spotted shopping for baby essentials at London’s Back in Action furniture store, dressed in a casual black sweater, sweatpants, and scarf, her bump subtly visible. Entertainment Tonight reported she arrived in a chauffeured Mercedes with her entourage, browsing prams and furniture while staff closed the store for her privacy. Another sighting in July 2016 showed her on an ice cream run with Al Mana in Los Angeles, further stoking fan anticipation.

Her nesting phase was understated but deliberate. “It’s nesting time!” Essence wrote, noting her healthy, happy demeanor as she prepared for motherhood. Fans admired her balance of privacy and joy, with one X user posting, “Janet’s keeping it low-key but still glowing. That’s queen energy.” Her focus on family echoed her April announcement, where she prioritized “planning” with Al Mana, a Qatari billionaire who shared her vision for parenthood. Their London home, one of several worldwide, became a hub for her preparations, though no delivery location was confirmed.

Challenges and Controversies

Jackson’s pregnancy wasn’t without challenges. Her weight gain and bed rest sparked concern, with E! News reporting, “It hasn’t been the easiest pregnancy, but she’s excited.” Additionally, her ex-husband James DeBarge claimed in November 2016 that they had a secret daughter from their brief 1984 marriage, a claim Jackson never addressed. DeBarge’s allegations, aired on Growing Up Hip Hop, added a layer of drama, but Jackson’s focus remained on her impending motherhood, with fans defending her silence on X: “Janet doesn’t owe anyone explanations. She’s focused on her baby!”

Her decision to postpone the Unbreakable tour disappointed some ticket-holders, but the promise of a new Jackson family member softened the blow. “The idea of a new Jackson arrival quickly eased their pain,” Essence noted. Jackson reassured fans, “I have not forgotten about you. I will continue the tour as soon as I can,” signaling her commitment to her career post-pregnancy.

A Cultural Milestone and Legacy

Jackson’s pregnancy at 50 was a cultural moment, celebrating resilience and defying age norms. As the youngest of the Jackson clan, known for hits like “Rhythm Nation” and “All for You,” she brought her signature strength to motherhood. Her brother Tito confirmed she carried her own child, dispelling surrogate rumors, and praised her health-conscious approach. Fans saw her as a trailblazer, with one X post declaring, “Janet Jackson at 50 is rewriting the rules of motherhood. Iconic!”

Her journey also sparked broader conversations about fertility and choice. Dr. Shahine emphasized the need for transparency to avoid misleading women about late pregnancies, noting options like donor eggs and adoption. Jackson’s silence on her methods preserved her privacy but inspired hope, with fans on X writing, “Janet’s pregnancy gives me faith I can be a mom later in life.” Her glow, captured in PEOPLE’s exclusive photos, became a symbol of gratitude and faith, as she and Al Mana thanked God for their “blessing.”

A Bright Future as a Mother

Janet Jackson’s radiant pregnancy at 50 culminated in the birth of her son, Eissa Al Mana, on January 3, 2017, a “stress-free healthy delivery” celebrated by fans worldwide. Her journey, marked by quiet preparation and unwavering optimism, underscored her strength as an artist and woman. As she embraced motherhood, Jackson’s glow resonated, with one X user summing it up: “Janet’s baby bump is pure joy. She’s unstoppable, even at 50.”