Tito Jackson, a founding member of the iconic Jackson 5 and brother of the late pop legend Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70, according to US media reports. The official cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Tito rose to fame as part of the Jackson 5 alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, who died in 2009. The group, known for hits like “ABC” and “I Want You Back,” became a global sensation in the 1960s and 1970s.
Tito was recently in Munich preparing for an upcoming performance with the group.
Steve Manning, a long-time family friend and former manager of the Jackson family, confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that Tito Jackson passed away on Monday. The news was later shared on Instagram by his three sons—Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson—who were part of the 1990s R’n’B/pop group 3T.
“We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken,” the brothers wrote. “Our father was an incredible man who cared deeply about everyone and their well-being.” They added, “He will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached: ‘Love One Another.’ We love you, Pops.”
Tito Jackson was a key member of the Jackson 5, the iconic group that formed in 1964. He played guitar and provided backing vocals for some of their biggest hits, including “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I Want You Back.” The Jackson 5 went on to sell more than 150 million records worldwide.
In 1980, the Jackson siblings received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, cementing their legacy as one of the most influential groups in music history.
