Janet Jackson has been an icon nearly all her life. Born into the famous Jackson family, she quickly established herself as a musical powerhouse, and a magazine cover staple. And after decades in the spotlight, Jackson is still relevant. There’s a new documentary coming out about her—part one of Janet debuts January 28th on A&E and Lifetime—and she covered the February 2022 edition of Allure, and let people in on her secrets. Read on to see 5 ways Janet Jackson stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!
1. She Loves To Drive
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Jackson’s busy life can naturally be really stressful to handle. Luckily, she says that she has a way to relax. “Two things relax me, the ocean and driving. So I had to learn how to drive. I was tired of drivers driving me everywhere,” Jackson says. “When I need to clear my head, I would go for a drive before, when I lived at the beach back home. That was always my thing,” she told Allure.
2. She Is Very Spiritual
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Jackson has been through a lot of difficulty and scrutiny in her life, however, she says that she doesn’t let it beat her down. Jackson says that she is extremely spiritual and has strong faith. “It’s only God who’s in control of it all. You know what I mean?” she told Allure.
3. She Doesn’t Let Gender Roles Tear Her Down
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Jackson has become a symbol of feminism for many people out there, and she says that she doesn’t let society’s gender roles and sexism stop her from doing what she wants. “It was difficult at times being a woman and being told, ‘No, you can’t.’ Why? ‘Because women don’t do that. I was never a girly girl. I was always a tomboy. So it was always about pants, suits, even as an early teenager. I remember when my brothers got their star on the Walk of Fame and other awards they got, and I look back on pictures and I always had on a suit with a tie, a bow tie, or suspenders,” she told Allure.
4. She’s Found Acceptance In Her Body
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At the beginning of Jackson’s career, she mostly wore outfits that covered her body. However, when she released her album Janet, she began embracing her body, and found acceptance with herself. “It took a lot of work, a lot of work,” she told Allure. “It was something very tough, very difficult. But I’m glad I walked through it. I’m really glad I got in. It was a way of accepting and loving, accepting yourself and your body.”
5. She Has Supportive Fans
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Jackson has developed a large, loyal fan base over her long career. And she says that she is extremely grateful to have that level of support from them. “I’m very fortunate to have a very loyal and loving fan base. And I think they will always accept me for who I am,” she told Allure.