Tito Jackson, member of the pop group the Jackson 5, has died at the age of 70, his sons say.
Tito was the third of the nine Jackson siblings, including global pop icon Michael Jackson.
Tito Jackson was a member of the Jackson 5 group, and in later years also pursued a solo career.
In a statement shared on InstagramTito’s sons TJ, Taj, and Taryll expressed their grief: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us.”
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“We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
The Jackson 5, consisted of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, rose to fame in the 1970s with chart-topping hits like “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There.”
Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, the group became a defining act of the era.
Under the direction of their father, Joe Jackson, the family transitioned from humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana, to global fame.
Born on Oct. 15, 1953, Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was the group’s guitarist and a background vocalist.
While his brothers pursued solo careers, most notably Michael, who earned the title “The King of Pop,” Tito focused on supporting the group and his family.
Michael Jackson passed away at the age of 50 in 2009.
In a 2009 interview with The Associated Press, Tito reflected on the impact of Michael’s death: “I would say definitely it brought us a step closer to each other. To recognize that the love we have for each other when one of us is not here, what a great loss.”
He said he would personally never “be at peace with it.”
“There’s still moments when I just can’t believe it. So I think that’s never going to go away,” he said.
In 2014, Jackson said he and his brothers still felt Michael Jackson’s absence in their shows.
“I don’t think we will ever get used to performing without him. He’s dearly missed,” he said.
He added that Michael’s spirit “is with us when we are performing. It gives us a lot of positive energy and puts a lot of smiles on our faces.”
Just days before his passing, Tito visited a memorial for Michael Jackson in Munich, Germany, alongside his brothers Jackie and Marlon.
He shared a message on Facebook: “We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy.”
Tito Jackson was one of the family members to defend Michael Jackson’s legacy in 2019 after he was accused of molesting young boys in HBO‘s documentary Leaving Neverland.
Tito joined Michael Jackson’s nephew, Taj, and brothers, Jackie and Marlon on CBS This Morning to speak about the allegations.
Michael Jackson always said he was innocent about the sex abuse allegations. He went to court for one case in 2005, and was acquitted.
Tito was the last of the Jackson siblings to embark on a solo career, releasing his debut album, “Tito Time,” in 2016.
He followed up with the single “One Way Street” in 2017 and was working on a second album as recently as 2019.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
