Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5 and brother of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, has died at the age of 70, according to US media reports. The official cause of death has yet to be determined.
Tito, along with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, achieved global fame in the Jackson 5, a group known for hits such as “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I Want You Back.” Michael Jackson passed away in 2009 at the age of 50.
Tito was in Munich preparing for a performance with his brothers before his passing. His death was confirmed by long-time family friend and former manager Steve Manning, as well as by Tito’s sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, in a heartfelt Instagram post. The three brothers, who performed as the R’n’B group 3T in the 1990s, expressed their grief, writing: “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
They added, “He will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached, ‘Love One Another’. We love you, Pops.”
Tito played guitar and provided backing vocals for the Jackson 5, which was formed in 1964 and went on to sell more than 150 million records worldwide. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980.
Just days before his death, Tito posted on social media about visiting a memorial for his brother Michael in Munich with his brothers Jackie and Marlon. The Jacksons had performed in Germany on September 10, following their appearance at the UK’s Boogietown Festival.
Tributes to Tito poured in after the news of his passing, with former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan Moffett sharing on X (formerly Twitter), “I’m stunned, devastated, and speechless. I love you, Tito. My most sincere love & prayers for the entire Jackson family.”
In addition to his work with the Jackson 5, Tito enjoyed a solo career as a blues musician, starting in 2003. He became the final Jackson sibling to chart a solo single with his 2016 hit, “Get It Baby.” In 2019, Tito, Jackie, Jermaine, and Marlon toured the world as The Jacksons, continuing the family’s musical legacy.
Tito Jackson was the third oldest of the Jackson siblings, who include global superstars Janet and La Toya Jackson. Their father, Joe Jackson, passed away in 2018 at the age of 89.
