Est. 1998
Tito Jackson Dies, Aged 70
Michael’s brother, Tito Jackson, one of the original members of the Jackson 5, has died at 70. His three sons announced his passing on Sunday, expressing shock and heartbreak.
“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”
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on Oct. 15, 1953, Tito was one of nine siblings. Without him there may never have been The Jackson 5. A keen guitar player from an early age, he used to secretly play his dad’s instrument until one day he snapped a string. He was forced to show their father, Joe Jackson, the talent he had, and that started the musical revolution that became the Jackson 5, spawning hit after hit throughout the 1970s. This helped propel his brother Michael to be the biggest entertainer of all time. Tito himself launched his solo career in 2003, officially debuting in 2016 with “Tito Time.”
He prioritized raising his sons, who formed the music group 3T, over pursuing solo fame earlier. Tito raised his sons primarily on his own after his ex-wife, Delores “Dee Dee” Martes, was murdered in 1994.
Days before his death, Tito’s final Instagram post was about visiting a memorial for Michael in Munich, expressing gratitude for keeping their shared legacy alive. He said
“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.”
He is survived by his sons, brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, and Jackie, sisters Janet, Rebbie, and La Toya, and their mother, Katherine.
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