Tito Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 co-founder, dead at 70
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Tito Jackson has died, his family confirmed on Monday. He was 70. REUTERS
Tito Jackson, the brother of Michael Jackson and a founding member of The Jackson 5, died on Sunday. He was 70.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” his sons, Taj, Taryll and TJ, wrote in a joint Instagram statement Monday.
They added, “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken.”
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The Jackson 5 co-founder’s passing was announced by his family in an Instagram statement. Michael Ochs Archives
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His sons said they were “saddened and heartbroken” over his death. @3tworld/Instagram
He died of an apparent heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday, former Jackson family manager Steve Manning told Entertainment Tonight. However, his official cause of death has not yet been revealed.
The brothers described their late father as an “incredible man” who was always thinking of others.
“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,” they wrote. “Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously.”
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The musician reportedly died of an apparent heart attack. REUTERS
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He was nicknamed “Poppa T” and “Coach T.” REUTERS
“It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us,” the continued. “Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops.”
They signed the note from “your boys,” and shared a slideshow of snaps showing different moments throughout the musical artist’s storied life.
The post was flooded with touching tribute messages in the comments section of the post.
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Tito was the brother of the late Michael Jackson. AP
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“He will be missed tremendously,” the family said. AFP via Getty Images
mily to your family. Your Father was a great man, who will be missed and loved forever. Blessings always ♾️,” one person wrote.
“So sorry for your loss. He’s dancing with Michael again 💜,” a second person wrote of the “Billie Jean” singer, who died in 2009.
“Thank you tito for picking up that guitar🤍,” a third fan wrote.
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Tito and his brothers formed The Jackson 5 in 1964. Redferns
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Tito was the guitar player of the group. Getty Images
Tito, born Toriano Adaryll Jackson, was known for being the guitarist in the popular band with his brothers — Michael, Jackie, Jermaine, and Marlon — which was founded in 1964 in their native Gary, Indiana.
The group was managed by their father, Joe Jackson, and was known for hits including “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There.”
The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
