Eight years older than Janet, Michael Jackson was already a wildly famous singer and performer by the time his sister was 14 years old. He embarked on his own solo career apart from the family group in 1979, with his debut solo album “Off the Wall,” per Britannica. At this time, Janet, the youngest of nine children, was already close with Michael. She was a child actress as well as an occasional singer and performer. The two siblings spent a lot of time together. As Michael’s star ascended during, Janet also became responsible for his personal well-being, as ABC News reports.
Part of Janet’s duties, at that point, was behind the scenes, shopping for Michael, doing laundry, and even cleaning his room. When Jackson family matriarch, Katherine Jackson, left the two together, Janet recalled her saying, “I’m leaving you in charge. Take care of Michael” (via ABC News). Janet Jackson also played a part in influencing her brother’s iconic wardrobe. She was there when he picked a sparkly jacket that belonged to their mother to wear during the 25th Anniversary of Motown special. She remembers her brother dancing so much, he often wore holes in the soles of his penny loafers. According to Janet, “If it was shiny, if it had any kind of bling, he loved it.”
