Tito Jackson: Jackson 5 singer, brother of Michael, dead at 70
Tito Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5 and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70, according to reports from US media.
The official cause of death has not been established yet.
Tito was part of the well-known group that included his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, who passed away in 2009.
He was recently in Munich preparing for a show that the band was scheduled to perform.
Steve Manning, who has been a close friend of the Jackson family for many years and used to manage them, informed Entertainment Tonight that the Jackson family member passed away on Monday.
The confirmation came from an Instagram post made by Jackson's three sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson. They were part of a 1990s R'n'B/pop group called 3T.
"We are devastated and deeply sorrowed," they expressed. "Our father was an amazing person who genuinely cared for everyone and their welfare."
They added, "We will miss him greatly. For us, it will always be 'Tito Time.'"
"Don't forget to follow our dad's important message: 'Care for each other.' We love you, Dad."
The Jackson 5's popular songs featured titles like "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I Want You Back."
The band was established in 1964, with Tito handling the guitar and contributing background vocals.
The Jackson 5 has achieved sales of over 150 million albums globally.
In 1980, the siblings received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and they were honored with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
A few days before he passed away, Tito shared a post on social media while in Munich, Germany, where he went to pay his respects at a memorial for Michael alongside his brothers.
He shared: "Prior to our performance in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I took some time to visit the lovely memorial honoring our dear brother, Michael Jackson."
"We are truly thankful for this unique location that pays tribute to both his memory and the legacy we share. Your efforts to preserve his spirit mean so much to us."
The Jacksons took the stage in Germany on September 10, just a few days after their show at Boogietown, a music festival in the UK that highlights funk, soul, and disco, held in Surrey.
The siblings took the stage at the Fool in Love Festival held at Hollywood Park Grounds in Los Angeles on August 31.
Former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan Moffett expressed his condolences on social media, saying on X, "I am filled with deep sorrow tonight upon learning that my dear friend and brother in spirit, Tito Jackson, has passed away."
I'm in shock, heartbroken, and at a loss for words. Tito, you mean so much to me. I send my heartfelt love and prayers to the entire Jackson family. I truly care for you all deeply.
Tito was the third eldest of the Jackson siblings and part of a family with nine children. His famous brothers and sisters include international sensations Janet and La Toya Jackson.
All of his brothers and sisters are still living, except for Michael, who passed away at the age of 50 in June 2009.
Joe Jackson, the head of the family, passed away in 2018 at the age of 89.
The ensemble of artists and vocalists has created a total of 27 number one hits in the United States.
In addition to his time with the band, Tito embarked on a solo journey as a blues artist that began in 2003.
He was the last of his siblings to achieve a solo hit on the Billboard charts with his song "Get It Baby," which was released in 2016.
In 2019, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon set off on a worldwide tour as The Jacksons.
Two years ago, they held a series of concerts in the UK for a tribute to 50 years of music, and they also took the stage at the Glastonbury Festival.
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