Tito Jackson of The Jackson 5 Dead at 70
Originally appeared on E! Online
The music world is in mourning.
Tito Jackson—an original member of The Jackson 5 alongside brothers Michael Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson and Marlon Jackson—died on Sept. 15, his sons shared in a statement posted to social media. He was 70.
"It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us," TJ Jackson, Taj Jackson, Taryll Jackson wrote in an Instagram post. "We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being."
They continued, "Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as 'Coach Tito' or some know him as 'Poppa T.' Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously."
His cause of death has not been confirmed.
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Toriano Adaryll "Tito" Jackson grew up in Gary, Ind., and began taking an interest in music by age 10. It was in 1969 that The Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records and went on to release hits including "I'll Be There," "I Want You Back" and "ABC." He was eventually inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
And for Tito—who is also brother to Janet Jackson, Randy Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, La Toya Jackson and Faloola Jackson—music continues to run in his family.
In fact, the singer recently shared how proud he was that his youngest son TJ—who he shares with ex-wife Delores Martes Jackson—was following in his footsteps, with the 46-year-old showing off his skills for his own son Royal Jackson, 24.
"I enjoyed watching my youngest son TJ perform his very first solo show last weekend in Paris," Tito wrote on Facebook in 2022, "and seeing my grandson Royal there as well."
The bond also ran deep with sons Taj, 51, and Taryll, 49, who joined forces with TJ for their R&B band 3T.
"From the very beginning, you’ve been a guiding light and rock," Taj wrote to his dad on Instagram for Father's Day 2024. "Your strength, experience, and love have shaped me into the man I am today. Every day, I am grateful for the countless lessons you’ve taught me, the endless support you’ve shown me, and the unwavering belief you’ve always had in me."
He added, "You are not just my dad, but my role model and hero. I’ll always look up to you, admire your incredible soul, and strive to follow in your footsteps. I am proud to share your name."
Before his passing, Tito had been on the road performing in Europe. But in between concerts, he still took time to honor his late brother Michael, who died of cardiac arrest in 2009 at age 50.
"Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson," Tito wrote on Facebook four days before his death. "We're deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy."
He told the fans, "Thank you for keeping his spirit alive."
Tito also marked what would have been Michael's 66th birthday back on Aug. 29.
"Today, we honor not just your birthday but the amazing legacy you left behind," Tito wrote on Facebook. "You've touched countless lives, leaving a lasting impact and an influence that will be felt for generations to come. I miss you, Mike, but your light will always shine bright."
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