Tito Jackson, co-founder of the iconic Jackson 5 and brother of Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70. His death was confirmed by his sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, in an emotional Instagram tribute on Monday morning. Accompanying a series of heartfelt photos of Tito with his family and his brothers, they wrote, "We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. It will forever be 'Tito Time' for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached: 'Love One Another.' We love you, Pops."
The news of Tito’s passing was first reported by *Entertainment Tonight*, with confirmation from Steve Manning, a longtime family friend and former manager of the Jackson family. Manning shared that Tito had passed on Sunday, though further details have not been released. USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for more information.
As part of the Jackson 5, Tito, alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, became a Motown sensation, and one of the biggest groups of all time, producing a string of hit singles, including four consecutive Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits: "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There." These chart-topping tracks laid the foundation for the phenomenon known as Jacksonmania, with the group captivating audiences worldwide with their energetic performances. Their success earned them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, and they were nominated for several Grammy Awards throughout their career.
Entertainment mogul Suzanne de Passe, who worked closely with the Jackson 5, described Tito as the "quiet yet powerful guiding force of the group." She praised his dedication and musicianship, noting that Tito always kept the group on track during their demanding schedule. "His spirit, both on and off stage, will be deeply missed but never forgotten," she said in a statement.
Beyond his work with the Jackson 5, Tito also ventured into a solo career. He released the album *Tito Time* in 2016 and followed it with *Under Your Spell* in 2021. He continued to release music as recently as last year, collaborating with Brazilian singer Natalia Damini on the song "Attitude." and with EEDB (Eagle E and Doc B), Brazilian rapper Kaos MC and African singer Tony Tuklan on "Make your mind up" and "what's Wrong".
Born in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of 10 children in the Jackson family. He and his siblings grew up in a modest two-bedroom home, a house that would later become immortalized in the Jacksons' 1989 album and lead single, *2300 Jackson Street*. As the group's success waned, many of the brothers, including Michael and Jermaine, embarked on solo careers.
Michael Jackson went on to achieve unprecedented fame, becoming the King of Pop and a global cultural icon. His sudden death in 2009, at age 50, shocked the world, and Tito has publicly mourned his brother throughout the years. In a tribute earlier this year, on the 15th anniversary of Michael’s passing, Tito shared a black-and-white photo of his younger brother, expressing his enduring love and loss.
Just four days before his passing, Tito, alongside his brothers Jackie and Marlon, visited a memorial in Munich honoring Michael before performing a concert together. Tito shared a photo from the memorial, expressing gratitude for the tribute to their shared legacy and thanking fans for keeping Michael's spirit alive. The brothers had scheduled performances as The Jacksons, including upcoming concerts in Atlantic City and Cincinnati in late October and early November.
Tito Jackson is survived by his three sons, whom he shared with his late ex-wife, Delores Martes. His legacy as a member of one of the most influential families in music history will undoubtedly endure for generations.
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