Tito Jackson, one of the original members of iconic Motown band The Jackson 5 and the brother of pop legend Michael Jackson, has died. He was 70.
Tito died of a heart attack Sunday while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, former Jackson family manager Steve Manning told Entertainment Tonight.
Tito's death was reported by his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ.
"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. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being," they wrote on Instagram.
"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."
Hailing from Gary, Indiana, the Jackson Five had a string of hits in the late 60s and early 70s, including "ABC,", "I Want You Back," and "I'll Be There."
Tito was a background singer and guitar player in the family group, which was formed in the 1960s by Joe Jackson, a father of ten. Tito was the third child in the family and one of the original three band members, along with Jermaine and Jackie.
The band became the Jackson 5 in 1966 with the addition of Michael and Marlon.
In 1997, Tito was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with the other Jackson 5 members.
Tito went on to a solo career, releasing two studio albums "Tito Time” in 2016 and “Under Your Spell” in 2021.
Tito was still performing shows with brothers Jackie and Marlon at time of his death. While touring Europe this month, Tito paid tribute to his late brother Michael, who died in 2009 at age 50.
“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson,” Tito wrote on Facebook on September 11.
“We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
Jackson had upcoming shows in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Oct. 25 and in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Nov. 1.
Tito is survived by brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon and Jackie, his sisters Janet, Rebbie and La Toya and their mother, Katherine. Joe Jackson died in 2018.
