Tito Jackson’s sons share emotional tribute after his death at 70: ‘Shocked, saddened and heartbroken’
Tito Jackson’s three sons are mourning his death at age 70.
Taj, TJ and Taryll Jackson posted a joint statement on their band 3T’s Instagram account Monday following the news of their dad’s passing.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” the statement began.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,” the siblings 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,” they added. “It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us.’ Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops.”
The post featured photos of Tito from over the years, including when he was a kid in the Jackson 5. There were also pictures of Tito with Taj, 51, TJ, 46, and Taryll, 49, whom Tito shared with his late ex-wife Dee Dee Martes.
Tito died of an apparent heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday, former Jackson family manager Steve Manning told Entertainment Tonight.
An official cause of death has yet to be determined.
Tito, the third of 10 children of Katherine and Joe Jackson, had been performing with brothers Jackie and Marlon as the Jacksons and had shows in Scotland, California and England over the summer of 2024.
Days before his death, Tito posted on Facebook from Munich, Germany, on Sept. 11, where he visited a memorial for his late sibling Michael Jackson with his brothers while on tour in Europe.
“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson,” Tito wrote.
“We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
Tito was an original member of the Jackson Brothers with Jermaine and Jackie that formed under their father’s leadership in 1964. The group expanded into the Jackson 5 in 1966, adding Michael and Marlon to the mix.
In addition to the Jackson 5’s massive success, Tito had a solo career where he released two studio albums, “Tito Time” in 2016 and “Under Your Spell” in 2021.
He also managed his sons’ band 3T. Taj, TJ and Taryll were all featured in the 2015 Lifetime reality show “The Jacksons: Next Generation.”
Tito’s death comes over 15 years after brother Michael passed away at 50 in 2009.
The “Thriller” singer died by acute propofol intoxication in 2009. The King of Pop’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for recklessly doping him with dangerous levels of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives.
