Music star Tito Jackson, a member of the Jackson 5 and the older brother of Michael Jackson, has tragically died suddenly.
Jackson reportedly suffered a suspected fatal heart attack while driving on Sunday, family friend and former Jackson family manager Steve Manning told ET.
However, no official cause of death has been made public.
He was 70 years old when he died.
Manning revealed that Jackson was driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma when he passed away unexpectedly.
Just six days before his death, Jackson’s final Instagram post showed him visiting his brother Michael’s memorial in Munich, Germany.
The caption reads: “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.”
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, after a cardiac arrest.
Tito Jackson is survived by his three sons Taj, 41, Taryll, 39, and TJ, 46 – who were in the band 3T – and nine grandchildren.
His sons shared poignant photos and an emotional tribute to their father, writing:
“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. Your boys, Taj, Taryll, and TJ.”
His sons’ mother was Delores “Dee Dee” Martes who Jackson wed in 1972 and divorced in 1988.
She was found dead in a swimming pool in 1994 aged 39.
However, while her death was originally ruled accidental, her boyfriend Donald Bohana was subsequently charged with murdering her and later found guilty of second-degree murder in 1998.
He was granted parole in December 2022 after serving 24 years.
The Jackson 5 formed in 1964, with founding members Tito – born Toriano Adaryll – Jackie, and Jermaine; younger brothers Marlon and Michael joined soon after.
Tito started playing guitar at age 10 after his father Joe caught him experimenting on his own musical instrument and breaking a string.
Joe demanded Tito play for him and later bought him his own guitar.
The 10 Jackson kids regularly broke into song and Joe was inspired to form them into the family band.
Joe managed them, entering the band in local talent competitions.
Jackson was notoriously hard on them as a manager and insisted that his children call him by his first name and not Dad.
Moving on from local performances and competitions, Jackson eventually booked them in increasingly reputable venues, eventually getting the band a spot at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York – where they won amateur night and then a Motown recording contract.
In 1969 the Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records in Detroit, and scored several hit songs, including the number-one singles “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There.”
Tito’s impressive guitar skills were a key component of the band’s success.
The Jackson 5 became the first American group to have their first four singles go straight to Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Randy, the youngest Jackson brother, replaced Jermaine in the mid-1970s when the group left Motown and became The Jacksons at CBS.
Jermaine stayed behind and launched a solo career.
In 2001, Jackson reunited with his brothers on Michael Jackson’s 30th anniversary concert special at Madison Square Garden.
Michael was involved in the original Jackson 5 up until 1983 when he began to focus on his successful career as a solo artist.
Tito shared a close bond with Michael and staunchly defended him when he faced allegations of child molestation.
Michael Jackson was cleared of all 14 counts of allegations against him in 2005.
Throughout his career, Tito Jackson was nominated for three Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 as a member of the Jackson 5.
In his final weeks, Jackson had performed shows in California, England, and Scotland – taking to the stage in Surrey, England on September 8 and performing at Circus Krone in Munich on September 10.
The band was due to perform next on October 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and November 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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