Tito Jackson, a member of famous family band the Jackson 5, and brother of late pop star, Michael Jackson, has died at the age of 70.
His brother Michael died 15 years ago.
New York Post reports that Tito died of an apparent heart attack while driving from New Mexico Oklahoma on Sunday.
His sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ confirmed their father’s death in an Instagram post on Sunday, saying they were “shocked, saddened, and heartbroken.”
“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,” his sons wrote on the official page of their R&B group, 3T.
“Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. 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. 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.”
Tito had been performing with his 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 to 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,” he wrote.
The brothers were scheduled to appear in Atlantic, New Jersey, on Oct. 25 and in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Nov. 1.
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on Oct. 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of 10 children of Katherine and Joe Jackson, including worldwide superstars Michael Jackson and their sister Janet Jackson.
After seeing his son Tito’s promising skills as a singer and guitarist at a young age, Joe Jackson created the group the Jackson Brothers in 1964, consisting of Tito, Jermaine and Jackie.
As the family’s music careers skyrocketed, they relocated to California.
The group expanded into the Jackson 5 in 1966, adding Michael and Marlon to the mix, with Tito filling the role of a background singer and guitarist for the family group.
