Janet Jackson has ruled out a reconciliation with with ex-boyfriend Jermaine Dupri - insisting the pair have simply remained close friends after a recent split.
The couple, which began dating in 2002, has faced a barrage of press surrounding the status of their relationship since split rumours first surfaced in July (09) - when Dupri was noticeably absent from his girlfriend's side as she mourned the loss of her brother Michael Jackson at his public memorial.
Jackson confirmed the split in September (09), but seemed to have settled her differences with the music producer weeks later - after the pair was spotted together at a party in Milan, Italy.
However, Jackson insists the pair has in fact split. Referring to Dupri as her "ex" in a new radio interview, the singer explains her close bond with the hip-hop star.
She says, "I'm not the type of girl that stays in touch with an ex like that. Jermaine is one of my best friends. I love him to death. We're still connected. We're still good friends. We still talk... We're there for one another. I think it will remain that way for the rest of my life."