Tito Jackson dead at 70, ‘heartbroken’ children confirm

Tito Jackson — a member of the well-known household band The Jackson 5 and brother to Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson — died aged 70, his kids confirmed on social media.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Corridor of Famer Tito Jackson is not with us,” his three sons — Taj, Taryll and TJ — wrote in an Instagram put up.

“We’re shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” they wrote. “Our father was an unbelievable man who cared about everybody and their well-being.”

“A few of you might know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some could know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T.’ Nonetheless, he will likely be missed tremendously.”

“It would ceaselessly be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please keep in mind to do what our father all the time preached and that’s ‘Love One One other.’ We love you Pops.”

Born on Oct. 15, 1953, Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was one of many 5 brothers that made up The Jackson 5. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame in 1997.

The Jackson 5 — with Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael the opposite 4 members — scored a number of No. 1 hits, together with “ABC,” “I Need You Again” and “I am going to Be There.”

Father Joe Jackson managed the group and relocated the household from their dwelling in Gary, Indiana to California as they gained reputation.

The group peaked in reputation and affect by way of the Seventies, waning within the early- and mid-Eighties with Michael Jackson’s meteoric success as a solo artist.

Tito, Jackie and Marlon — as The Jacksons — carried out summer time 2024 exhibits in California and the U.Ok., together with on the Boogietown Competition in southern England on Sept. 8. The brothers deliberate further performances in Atlantic Metropolis and Cincinnati by way of the autumn.

Tito Jackson posted a social media message from Munich, Germany, on Sept. 11, having visited a memorial to his late brother Michael.

“Earlier than our present in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the gorgeous memorial devoted to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson,” he wrote. “We’re deeply grateful for this particular place that honors not solely his reminiscence but additionally our shared legacy. Thanks for retaining his spirit alive.”

Tito Jackson is survived by his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon and Jackie, his sisters Janet, Rebbie and Latoya and their mom, Katherine. Michael died in 2009 and their father Joe died in 2018.

ABC Information’ Marilyn Heck contributed to this report.