Janet Jackson rang in 2013 as a married woman after secretly exchanging vows with her billionaire boyfriend Wissam Al Mana last year.

Reports emerged in December, suggesting the R&B superstar had accepted a proposal from businessman Al Mana months earlier, and the couple was planning to wed in his native Qatar in the spring.

Nevertheless, Jackson has now revealed the tabloids have it all wrong, because she and Al Mana are already man and wife.

A statement issued to Entertainment Tonight reads: "The rumors regarding an extravagant wedding are simply not true. Last year we were married in a quiet, private, and beautiful ceremony. Our wedding gifts to one another were contributions to our respective favorite children's charities. We would appreciate that our privacy is respected and that we are allowed this time for celebration and joy. With love, Wissam and Janet."

Jackson, 46, will be hoping the third time's the charm - she was previously married to singer James DeBarge and video director Rene Elizondo.