(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Janet Jackson says she is the "cool aunt".

The award-winning songstress is close with her late brother Michael's children son Prince, 14, daughter Paris, 13 and nine-year-old son Blanket.

Janet, who doesn't have any children of her own, is glad she shares a close bond with her nieces and nephews, and is also proud of the fact she is known as the "cool" relative.

"We are a very close family. I love them all very much. A lot of my nieces and nephews come to me when they need someone to talk to. I've been told I'm the cool aunt!" she laughed in an interview with Closer magazine.

Janet is not afraid to step out of the spotlight. The 45-year-old star, who is the youngest child of the Jackson family, tries not to let peoples' negative comments affect her.

"It would be nice to have a little more privacy. Whenever I feel like I need to step back a little, I do. I recharge and then I am ready to go again," she explained. "People will always have opinions about you. It took me a long time, but I have learned that you need to be true to yourself."

Janet says she appreciates what fame has given her. The stunning star, who is ranked as one of the richest women in entertainment, has met people who will remain her life-long friends throughout her illustrious career.

"[Fame] is all I have ever really known. I appreciate the opportunities that I have been given through my work and I have made some amazing friends along the way," she added. (C) Cover Media