Tito Jackson, a pivotal figure in the legendary Jackson 5 and beloved member of one of the world’s most famous musical families, has passed away at the age of 70. His death was confirmed in a heartfelt statement by his sons TJ, Taj, and Taryll, who described their father as an “incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”

Tito Jackson was the third of the nine Jackson siblings, a family that includes pop legends Michael and Janet Jackson. Born on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito became one of the founding members of the Jackson 5, alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. The group skyrocketed to global fame in the 1970s with hits such as “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There,” becoming one of the biggest musical acts of their time.

While Tito often performed in the background as a guitarist and backup vocalist, his contributions were integral to the family’s success. In 1997, the Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their place in music history.

Following the untimely death of his brother Michael Jackson in 2009, Tito spoke about the emotional toll it had on the family. He shared that the tragedy brought them closer and highlighted the lasting impact of Michael’s absence during their performances. In a 2014 interview, he expressed how Michael’s spirit continued to inspire them, saying, “I don’t think we will ever get used to performing without him.”

Tito was the last of the Jackson siblings to release a solo project, debuting his first album, Tito Time, in 2016. His musical pursuits took a backseat for many years while he focused on raising his three sons, who went on to form the music group 3T. In recent years, Tito had continued working on new music, including a collaboration with Stevie Wonder.

Just days before his passing, Tito shared a poignant moment on social media. Along with his brothers Jackie and Marlon, he visited a memorial to Michael Jackson in Germany, reflecting on their shared legacy and the lasting impact of their music.

Tito Jackson is survived by his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, and Jackie; his sisters Janet, Rebbie, and La Toya; and their mother, Katherine Jackson. The family continues to honor their remarkable musical journey, a legacy that Tito played a key role in shaping.

CredCredit: Associated Press