Tito Jackson, a cherished member of the legendary Jackson 5 and brother to global superstars Michael and Janet Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70. His death was confirmed by his sons, who shared the heartbreaking news late Sunday. Tito, who played a crucial role in the iconic family band, died after suffering a medical emergency near a shopping center in Gallup, New Mexico.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Tito's sons, TJ, Taj, and Taryll, expressed their grief: "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."
Tito, born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, was the third of nine children in the Jackson family. As a member of the Jackson 5, Tito was part of a music legacy that shaped pop culture with hits like "ABC," "I Want You Back," and "I'll Be There." The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and remains one of the most influential musical acts of all time.
The Jackson 5 was formed under the strict guidance of their father, Joe Jackson, who managed the family's early rise to fame. Tito's role in the group was primarily as a background singer and guitarist, often overshadowed by his brothers, particularly Michael, who went on to achieve unprecedented solo success as the King of Pop.
In recent years, Tito continued to perform with his brothers Jackie and Marlon under the name "The Jacksons," bringing their timeless music to fans around the world. The group had recently toured in Scotland, California, and England, with performances as recent as September 8 in Surrey, England. Tito had also scheduled appearances for later this year in Atlantic City and Cincinnati.
On the day of his death, Tito experienced a medical emergency while near the American Heritage Plaza in Gallup, New Mexico. According to a press release from the Gallup Police Department, an officer on duty requested an ambulance after being alerted to an individual in need of medical attention. Tito was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death has not yet been determined, and an investigation is ongoing.
Tito's death has left a profound impact on his family and fans alike. His sons, who formed their own musical group, 3T, paid tribute to their father, emphasizing his kindness and love for others. "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," they wrote. The tribute ended with a poignant reminder of Tito's enduring message: "Please remember to do what our father always preached, and that is 'Love One Another.' We love you, Pops."
Before his untimely death, Tito had been reflecting on his family's shared legacy. Just days prior, he posted a heartfelt message on Facebook from Munich, Germany, where he and his brothers visited a memorial dedicated to Michael Jackson. "We're deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy," he wrote.
Tito Jackson was the last of the nine Jackson siblings to embark on a solo career, releasing his debut album, "Tito Time," in 2016. He followed up with another album, "Under Your Spell," in 2021. Despite his later start, Tito's contributions to music and his influence within the Jackson family remain significant.
He is survived by his sons, his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, and Jackie, his sisters Janet, Rebbie, and LaToya, and his mother, Katherine Jackson. His death marks another tragic chapter in the history of the Jackson family, which has already endured the loss of Michael Jackson in 2009 and patriarch Joe Jackson in 2018.
