Tito Jackson, Jackson 5 Member
Multiple reports indicate that Tito Jackson, a founding member of the iconic Jackson 5 and brother to the late Michael Jackson, passed away at age 70.
Jackson’s death occurred on Sunday, September 15, reportedly from a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. Steve Manning, the former family manager of the Jacksons, confirmed the news to Entertainment Tonight. The death was also verified by Tito’s nephew, Siggy Jackson, who shared the details with People.
Tito’s sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ—known for their music group, 3T—announced the news on Instagram early Monday, September 16. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us,” the trio shared, along with a series of photos from their father’s life. “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared deeply about everyone’s well-being.”
They added, “Some of you knew him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, others as ‘Coach Tito’ or ‘Poppa T.’ Regardless, he will be missed tremendously. Please remember to do what our father always preached: ‘Love One Another.’ We love you, Pops.”
Before his passing, Tito had been touring with his brothers Marlon and Jackie under The Jacksons. Their last performance was on September 8 at the Boogietown Festival in Walton-on-Thames, England. They had also played on August 31 at the Fool in Love Festival at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Tito gained fame alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the Jackson 5. Their hits, including “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There,” helped cement them as one of the most successful groups of their era. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Tito is survived by his three sons, grandchildren, mother Katherine Jackson, and siblings Rebbie, Jackie, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Randy, and Janet Jackson. He was predeceased by his father, Joe Jackson, in 2018, and his ex-wife, Delores “Dee Dee” Martes, who died in 1994.
Just days before his passing, Tito paid tribute to his late brother Michael in Munich, Germany, where he and his brothers performed. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on September 11, Tito wrote, “Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael. We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors his memory and our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive, US Magazine