Tito Jackson, brother of Michael, has died, his children announced. Picture: Flickr
Michael Jackson’s brother, Tito has died aged 70, his children announced, according to US media reports.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us,” sons Taj, Taryll and TJ wrote in an Instagram post.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” they wrote.
“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.”
Born on October 15, 1953, Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was one of five brothers that made up The Jackson Five. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
The Jackson Five – Tito with Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael – scored multiple No. 1 hits including ABC, I Want You Back and I’ll Be There.
The group peaked in popularity and influence through the 1970s, waning in the early- and mid-1980s with Michael Jackson’s meteoric success as a solo artist.
Tito, Jackie and Marlon – as The Jacksons – performed at shows in California and the UK this year and had planned shows in Atlantic City and Cincinnati, US media outlet ABC News said
Tito had posted a social media message from Munich, Germany, on Sept. 11, having visited a memorial to Michael, ABC said.
“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson,” he wrote.
“We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honours not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
Tito is survived by Jermaine, Randy, Marlon and Jackie, sisters Janet, Rebbie and Latoya and mother Katherine.
Michael died in 2009 while their father, Joe, died in 2018.
