Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri split under strain of Michael Jackson’s death

Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri are calling it quits after years of dating and working together.  Dupri, who was conspicuously absent from Michael Jackson’s memorial service last week, produced songs on Jackson’s last two albums, which may have been a factor in the break-up. Apparently, it was the mix of “business with pleasure,” a mutual pal tells Us Magazine. “Janet felt their lives were too crossed and they should have kept things sepa­rate.”

They also have very opposite personalities. “Jermaine likes to be out there, mingling with everybody, and Janet’s more shy,” a mutual friend said of the pair.

But while Janet is upset about the demise of her relationship, she has other more pressing things on her mind. “She’s devastated,” an insider said to Us regarding her brother’s death. “She’s busy caring for Michael’s kids. Janet’s the family’s backbone.”