Tito Jackson, a founding member of The Jackson 5 and older brother to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70.
Jackson died on Sunday, September 15, reportedly from a suspected heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
The news was confirmed by a family friend and former Jackson family manager, Steve Manning, who shared the details with Entertainment Tonight (ET).
An official cause of death has yet to be determined.
Tito was last seen in public on September 9 in Munich, Germany, just six days before his death.
He was in the city ahead of a scheduled performance with his brothers Jackie and Marlon as part of The Jacksons current lineup.
His final Instagram post featured a visit to Michael Jackson’s memorial in Munich, accompanied by a heartfelt caption expressing gratitude for the tribute to their shared legacy.
The Jackson family has experienced immense loss, with Michael Jackson’s death in 2009 at the age of 50, following a cardiac arrest. Tito’s passing marks another tragic chapter for the family.
Tito Jackson leaves behind three sons, Taj (46), Taryll (41), and TJ (39), who formed the band 3T, as well as nine grandchildren. In a touching tribute, his sons shared an emotional statement:
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.
“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.'”
Tito’s ex-wife and the mother of his children, Delores “Dee Dee” Martes, passed away in 1994. Her death was initially ruled an accident, but her boyfriend, Donald Bohana, was later convicted of second-degree murder in 1998.
Tito Jackson’s legacy as part of the iconic Jackson 5, formed in 1964, will live on. The group’s early members, including Tito, Jackie, and Jermaine, with younger brothers Marlon and Michael joining later, helped shape the sound of modern pop music.
His contribution to music history is undeniable, and his family and fans will remember him fondly.
