In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Barbra Streisand’s ex-husband and TV vet, Elliott Gould, gets candid about his unconventional family and being an equally involved parent to Jason Gould — his son from his marriage to Barbra — as well as son Samuel and daughter Molly with Jenny Bogart, whom he has married three times!

“People will presume how things should be, but things are the way they are,” Elliott tells Closer of his unconventional family tree. “To me, it’s all about us. It’s not about any one part.”

And he still considers Barbra family. “I’ve said to her: ‘I know you’re married to someone else now and I only wish you well, but this is a small family unit and you’re a part of it, so I’ll always be there,’” he says.

barbra streisand elliott gould getty images

“Barbra is a very significant part of my life, no less significant than the rest of my family,” Elliott confides to Closer. “Jason is the light of our lives. Barbra adores him. So we have contact,” he explains. “She’s happily married to James Brolin. And he is very nice to me.”

For Barbra’s recent 75th birthday, Elliott says he “sent her an acknowledgment with love and respect and understanding and admiration,” adding that they normally don’t exchange material gifts. “I always acknowledge her birthday,” he adds.

For more on Elliott and Barbra, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive news!