(PatriotNews.net) – Tito Jackson, a legendary guitarist and singer, passed away at the age of 70, as his sons announced late Sunday. Tito was an original member of The Jackson 5, the iconic group that launched his family into stardom. He was also the older brother of music superstars Michael and Janet Jackson.
Tito’s sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, who are musicians themselves as the group 3T, shared the sad news on Instagram. “With heavy hearts, we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us,” they wrote, alongside a photo of them with their father. They expressed their shock and sadness, calling their father “an incredible man” who deeply cared for everyone.
They also shared a message Tito often said: “Love one another.” They ended their post with a heartfelt goodbye, “We love you, Pops. Your boys, Taj, Taryll, and TJ.”
Family friend Steve Manning later confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that Tito likely passed away from a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to his home in Oklahoma.
Recently, Tito had been performing with his brothers Marlon and Jackie as part of The Jacksons. The Jackson 5, which included Tito, Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, became one of the most successful music groups of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their hits like “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There” are still remembered today.
While Michael went on to become a global solo icon, Tito had his own share of success. The Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, and in 2016, Tito became the last Jackson sibling to have a solo hit with the song “Get It Baby.”
Tito is survived by his three sons. His former wife, Dolores, passed away in 1994. His second album, Under Your Spell, was released in 2021 and featured collaborations with artists like Stevie Wonder. Tito’s passing marks the end of an era for a truly remarkable musical family.
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