Tito Jackson, an original member of the legendary Jackson 5 and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70, according to US media reports. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
Tito was a key figure in the iconic pop group, which he formed alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. Together, they gained international fame with hits like *ABC*, *The Love You Save*, and *I Want You Back*, selling over 150 million records worldwide.
Just days before his death, Tito was in Munich with his brothers, where they visited a memorial dedicated to Michael Jackson. He shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing gratitude for the tribute to their brother’s legacy.
Tito’s passing was confirmed by his sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, who were part of the R’n’B/pop trio 3T in the 1990s. In a statement posted on Instagram, they wrote, “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being… It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us.”
Tributes poured in from across the music world, with Jonathan Moffett, a former Jackson 5 drummer, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “There is great sadness in my heart tonight. I’m stunned, devastated, and speechless. I love you, Tito.”
Tito Jackson’s solo career as a blues musician began in 2003, and he gained recognition with his 2016 hit *Get It Baby*. He was the final sibling to achieve solo success on the Billboard charts.
The Jackson family, known for producing a total of 27 US number-one hits, has experienced significant loss over the years, including the deaths of Michael Jackson in 2009 and their patriarch Joe Jackson in 2018. Despite these losses, the surviving members of the family have continued to perform, with Tito joining his brothers for world tours as *The Jacksons*, most recently in 2019.
Tito Jackson’s contributions to music, both as part of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist, have left an indelible mark on the industry. His legacy will continue to be celebrated by fans around the world.