Tito Jackson has died at 70 years old.
Longtime family friend and former Jackson family music manager Steve Manning spoke to Entertainment Tonight and revealed that Tito died of an apparent heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday. So sad. The Jackson 5 alum’s nephew Siggy Jackson then confirmed the loss to People on Monday. That said, an official cause of death has not been announced.
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On Monday, Tito’s sons Taj, TJ, and Taryll (whom he shared with late ex-wife Dee-Dee Martes-Jackson) paid tribute to the musician, writing on Instagram:
“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. 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 managed his sons’ band 3T. Photos posted alongside the statement featured Tito with the boys early in their music career, as well as Tito from his younger years. See (below):
As mentioned, the singer was a founding member of the popular musical group The Jackson 5 along with siblings Michael, Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and eventually, Randy. The popular group was made famous for hit songs like I Want You Back, ABC, and I’ll Be There. In 1997, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was later honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Tito then went on to have a solo music career, too. He released two albums, Tito Time in 2016 and Under Your Spell in 2021. Up until his death, he was performing in The Jacksons with his brothers Jackie and Marlon. Their last performance was on September 8 in Surrey, England, and they had performances scheduled later in the fall, so this is obviously a really unexpected and unsettling loss for the whole family.
We’re sending love to all his family and friends. He was so talented, and just like his brother MJ, his legacy will always live on in his beloved music for years to come.
R.I.P.
[Image via MEGA/WENN & The Ed Sullivan Show/YouTube]
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