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Tito Jackson, founding member of iconic family band The Jackson 5 along with brothers Michael, Jermaine, Jackie and Marlon, has passed away at the age of 70.
News of his was death initially reported by Entertainment Tonight, and said to come from former Jackson family manager, Steve Manning. Per ET, Manning told the outlet that while the cause of death was officially undetermined, he believed Tito suffered a heart attack while driving on a road trip.
The singer and guitarist’s sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, confirmed their father’s death, sharing a message on the IG page of their R&B group 3T. Relaying they were “shocked, saddened and heartbroken” by their father’s sudden death.
“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," the message read.
“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.”
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on Oct. 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of 10 children to Katherine and Joe Jackson. Two of which of course include worldwide superstars Michael Jackson, and 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.
The Jackson 5 topped the charts with hits like “ABC,” “I’ll Be There,” and “I Want You Back,” and were eventually all inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Though never officially called it quits as a band, Michael left the band in 1984 after his album, Thriller, became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Tito went on to have a solo career, releasing two studio albums, 2016’s Tito Time, and Under Your Spell in 2021.
Tito had recently been performing with brothers Marlon and Jackie, with a show as recently as one week ago in England.
While on tour in Europe, on September 11, just days before his death, Tito posted on Facebook about visiting a memorial to Michael Jackson in Munich, Germany, with his brothers. “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.”
The brothers were next scheduled to appear in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on October 25, and in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 1.