Featured Image Credit: Getty/Dominik Bindl/Getty/ Michael Ochs Archives
Topics: Michael Jackson, Music
Joe Yates
Topics: Michael Jackson, Music
Tito Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson, has died at the age of 70.
The former pop singer's death was confirmed by his sons via a statement on Instagram yesterday (September 15).
TJ, Taj and Taryll wrote: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us.
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“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being."
Tito was part of the pop group The Jackson 5, which included Michael, Jermaine, Marlon and Jackie, and was one of nine siblings.
While a cause of death has not been officially confirmed, Steve Manning, a friend of Tito and former Jackson family manager, told Entertainment Tonight that he believes his death was due to a heart attack he suffered while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
Just over two weeks ago Tito was pictured playing the guitar on stage during the Fool in Love Festival at Hollywood Park Grounds in Inglewood, California, on August 31.
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While just on September 8, he appeared with his siblings Jackie and Marlon Jackson in Surrey, England, touring as The Jacksons.
They were due to play in Atlantic City, New Jersey, just next month on October 25, and exactly a week later in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Taking to Facebook just days before he died, Tito posted a message from Munich, Germany where he visited a memorial to Michael with his brothers.
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He wrote: “Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson.
"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."
The Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 after producing multiple No 1 hits in the 1970s - which include 'ABC', 'I Want You Back' and 'I’ll Be There'.
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His brothers launched solo careers, including Michael, who became one of the world’s biggest performers known as The King of Pop.
Michael died aged 50 on June 25, 2009.
Speaking to The Associated Press in December 2009, Tito said his younger brother’s death pulled the family closer together.
“I would say definitely it brought us a step closer to each other.
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“To recognise that the love we have for each other when one of us is not here, what a great loss."