By Showbiz Reporter- Michael Jackson’s brother Tito has died.

He was 70.

His family confirmed the sad news in a heartfelt statement shared by his sons, TJ, Taj, and Taryll, late Sunday on Instagram.

“It is 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,” the statement read.

Tito Jackson, born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, was the third of the nine famous Jackson siblings. Along with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, he became a household name as part of the Jackson 5. The group dominated the music scene in the 1970s, delivering timeless hits like “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There.”

In 1997, the Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, further cementing their legacy.

While Tito often stayed in the background, providing vocals and playing guitar, his quiet influence was essential to the Jackson 5’s sound. As his brothers launched solo careers—most notably Michael, who became the global icon known as the King of Pop—Tito remained deeply involved in music, both within the group and as a solo artist.

In recent years, Tito released his debut solo album Tito Time in 2016, followed by the 2017 single “One Way Street.” He had spoken in interviews about focusing on his family and raising his three sons, who formed their own band, 3T. Tito had been working on a second solo album at the time of his death.

The Jackson family, guided by their father Joe Jackson, rose from humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana, to the heights ofinternational fame. 

As the Jackson 5’s success skyrocketed, the family relocated to California, where they became one of the most celebrated music families in history.

Tito’s death is another blow to the family, who lost Michael Jackson at age 50 on June 25, 2009.

Speaking after Michael’s passing, Tito shared that the tragedy had brought the family closer together, but his younger brother’s absence continued to weigh heavily on them.

“There’s still moments when I just can’t believe it. So I think that’s never going to go away,” he said in a 2009 interview.

In 2014, Tito reflected on performing without Michael during their international tours, saying, “I don’t think we will ever get used to performing without him. He’s dearly missed, but his spirit is with us when we are performing. It gives us a lot of positive energy and puts a lot of smiles on our faces.”

Just days before his passing, Tito had been touring in Germany with his brothers Jackie and Marlon.

In a poignant Facebook post, Tito shared a photo from a visit to a memorial dedicated to Michael Jackson in Munich.“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,” he wrote.

Tito Jackson is survived by his sons TJ, Taj, and Taryll, his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, and Jackie, and his sisters Janet, Rebbie, and LaToya.

His impact, both as a member of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist, will continue to be felt by fans and the music world alike.

Source: Online