The Jackson 5 Tito Jackson's Sons Confirm His Death At 70: 'It Will Forever Be Tito Time For Us'
By Afouda Bamidele on September 16, 2024 at 9:45 AM EDT
Another icon from the Jackson family passes, with Tito Jackson reuniting with his late brother Michael Jackson.
The singer, a member of The Jackson 5, later known as The Jacksons, took his final breath on September 15. His sons confirmed his death in a poignant post, honoring his life and legacy.
Tito Jackson welcomed three sons — Taj, TJ, and Taryll — with his late ex-wife Dee-Dee Martes-Jackson. He managed his children's 3T band during his life but got to perform with his brothers before his death.
Tito Jackson Honored As A Father And Icon
In a joint Instagram post with their official 3T band page, Taj, TJ, and Taryll announced their father's passing with an emotional tribute. They shared a carousel of images from Tito's life, including throwback shots of him in The Jackson 5.
The Jackson 5 consisted of Tito and his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and the late Michael Jackson. The slideshow continued with old pictures of the father bonding with his young sons and a snap of him performing on stage with 3T.
The final image was a picture of Tito's signature black bowler hat and shades. The grieving sons captioned these heartwarming images with an equally sentimental message, honoring their father's life and legacy.
"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," Taj, TJ, and Taryll began.
Tito's Sons Praise Him As An 'Incredible Man'
The poignant caption continued: "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," Taj, TJ, and Taryll signed off, adding: "#titojackson #titotime #loveoneanother."
Their touching message received thousands of love and condolences from fans. Many resonated with their grief, while others reflected on what a fantastic father and singer Tito was.
Fans Send Tito Off With Love And Praise
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The comment section was filled with heartbroken fans, who sent Tito off with love while leaving his family with their well wishes. One Instagram user penned, "Sending my prayers to the Jackson family. Another Legend gone too soon."
Another echoed similar sentiments, writing, "This is heartbreaking. Thank you, Tito, for your courage and talent. Rest in glory." A third added, "RIP Tito. At least he will be up there with Michael."
The condolences continued, with a fan writing, "It can't be believed. I'm so sorry for your loss! I really can't believe he's gone. May God comfort the hearts of all of you, the Jackson family."
"Thinking of you and sending love your way. The passing of your father leaves a void that words can't fill, but I hope you find some solace in knowing that he was greatly admired and loved," an IG user penned.
About The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5, later known as The Jacksons, was an American pop band composed of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and the late Michael. The group was founded in 1964 in Gary, Indiana, and managed by their father, Joe Jackson.
The brothers' rise to fame began after Joe discovered Tito's passion for music. He reportedly found his son playing his guitar with a broken string and was impressed enough to buy him his own instrument.
By 1965, Tito had formed a band with his brothers and had their childhood friends Reynaud Jones and Milford Hite playing keyboards and drums. The group won their first talent show at Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1966, then signed with Steeltown Records in 1967.
According to Wikipedia, the Jackson 5 left Steeltown Records and signed with Motown in 1968 after releasing two singles. With their new label, they became the first group to debut with four consecutive number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Tito Jackson Reunited With His Brothers Before His Death
The Jackson 5 changed their name to The Jacksons after leaving Motown for Epic Records in early 1976. However, Jermaine was replaced by their youngest brother Randy. Tito relieved their glory era in the months leading up to his death.
He reunited with his brothers Jackie and Marlon as The Jacksons for multiple performances, including a show in Surrey, England, at the Boogietown Festival on September 8.
According to PEOPLE, the trio was scheduled to perform on October 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and November 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio. However, it is unclear if these performances will continue without Tito.
Tito Jackson died at 70 after suffering an apparent heart attack.