Tito Jackson, the brother of Michael Jackson, passed away at the age of 70.
His sons confirmed the former pop singer’s death through a statement on Instagram yesterday (September 15).
TJ, Taj, and Taryll stated: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us.”
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,” they added.
Tito was a member of The Jackson 5, the popular pop group that included Michael, Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie, and was one of nine siblings.
Although the cause of death has not been officially confirmed, Steve Manning, a friend and former manager of the Jackson family, told Entertainment Tonight he believes Tito’s death was due to a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
Just over two weeks ago, Tito was seen playing the guitar on stage during the Fool in Love Festival at Hollywood Park Grounds in Inglewood, California, on August 31.
On September 8, he also appeared with his siblings Jackie and Marlon Jackson in Surrey, England, as part of their tour as The Jacksons.
They were scheduled to perform in Atlantic City, New Jersey, next month on October 25, and a week later in Cincinnati, Ohio.
A few days before his passing, Tito shared a message on Facebook from Munich, Germany, where he visited a memorial for Michael with his brothers.
He wrote: “Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson.”
“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 continued.
The Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, having produced several No 1 hits in the 1970s, including ‘ABC’, ‘I Want You Back’, and ‘I’ll Be There’.
His brothers pursued solo careers, most notably Michael, who became one of the world’s top performers, earning the title The King of Pop.
Michael passed away at the age of 50 on June 25, 2009.
In an interview with The Associated Press in December 2009, Tito mentioned that Michael’s death brought the family closer together.
“I would say definitely it brought us a step closer to each other,” Tito expressed.
“To recognise that the love we have for each other when one of us is not here, what a great loss,” he added.