Tito Jackson has died at the age of 70

Known for being part of The Jackson 5 and being the brother of Michael Jackson, Tito is said to have passed away after suffering from a heart attack.

Tito’s longtime friend and former Jackson family manager Steve Manning broke the news to Entertainment Tonight on Monday afternoon.

“While an official cause of death has not yet been determined, Manning believes that Tito suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. Updates are developing.”

Tito was on tour with his brothers in Europe in recent days, where late last week he posted what would be his final Instagram post with his brothers were shown paying respects at a fan memorial for Michael.

His sons TJ, Taj and Taryll made a statement about the passing of their father:

“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. 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. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is “Love One Another.” We love you Pops.

Your boys,

Taj, Taryll and TJ”

In individual social media, the 3 sons have expressed their sorrows:

“I truly appreciate all the love and support I have received during this incredibly difficult time. I have been going through tons of messages, texts and voicemails and they have helped me tremendously.
The truth is I am not okay, and I don’t know if I ever will be. My dad and I shared the same name, Tariano Adaryll Jackson, and people often called me his twin. He was the man I’ve looked up to my entire life—my father, my hero.

What I admire most about my dad wasn’t his musical talent, it was his genuine humbleness and humility. For all the legendary things he accomplished with his brothers, you’d never know it just by talking to him. Besides performing on stage, my dad loved to coach baseball, fish, and work on vintage cars. 
Everyone loved Tito, and in a way, it brings me comfort to know the world also shares in this sorrow and pain. It’s a reminder of how great a loss we’ve all suffered.

When my mom passed, I had to stay strong for my 2 younger brothers. When my uncle Michael died, I remained strong for my 3 cousins.
I don’t know how much emotional strength I have left.

All of your love lets me know I will survive this nightmare, but I will definitely need to lean on you from time to time and welcome your continued support.” – Taj Jackson

“Words can’t express how much I already miss my father. It doesn’t feel real. I know some think as a middle aged man I’m not supposed to hurt this way but that just isn’t the truth. Right now this is crushing me. Losing a parent is extremely tough. Losing both in the way I have has given me an incredibly unwelcoming feeling and a paranoia that I will have to overcome.

Specifically regarding my father, I am trying to celebrate the many amazing experiences I’ve enjoyed with him but truthfully I can’t stand knowing he isn’t here. He has always exemplified strength, toughness and poise. Simply put, he wasn’t supposed to go this soon. It just goes to show we never know when it’s our time.

My father was worldwide known and celebrated for his artistry but it is humility that I always admired. He truly believed we needed to love one another and was a true pillar of strength and calmness in my life. Right now I’m in so much pain but like he showed me throughout his life I will never give up and will make the best of this thing called life.

I will get through this. One day at a time.

I love you pops and will forever miss you.” – TJ Jackson

“This is so hard. I don’t understand why things happen the way they do. I had just checked on you earlier in the day. You deserve so much more than these words, but it’s the best I can do right now. People are hurting, crying and devastated. You were so loved! You touched so many people and impacted so many lives. You were strong, gentle and kind with the warmest smile. Your laugh was genuine. Your heart was gold. Down to earth, loving, easy going and just so cool. It’s always been a goal to be on stage with The Jacksons but when anyone asked me about my experience, I would always say what I enjoy most is spending time with you. From the first show to the last… I was so proud and honored. I began to understand you more and appreciate all you have given to me, your family and this world. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to be with you and look over you. I’m so sorry Pops I wish I did better. Now you are gone… with Mom and Uncle Michael. My three heroes, my three angels. I can’t believe it. I miss you and I love you. You were an amazing Father and I’m so lucky and proud to be your son! Without you this whole Jackson family music thing wouldn’t exist. You grabbed that guitar, broke that string and the vision was born. You are a legend Tito Jackson. The key that unlocked it all. Thank you for everything. Rest now Poppa T, I love you always.” – Taryll Jackson

The Jackson brothers also reacted to the passing of Tito with the following statement:

“We are beyond devastated and still in total shock that our dear brother Tito is no longer with us. He was always selfless, kind, laid back, cool, and always humble. He was loved wherever he went. Tito was such a loving brother and father, he loved his family so much.

Everything began for us when Tito broke that guitar string and The Jackson 5 were born. Just a few days ago we were onstage together in Munich, Germany. We could never have dreamt that would be our last time with him. We lived our lives on stage, and Tito was on stage till the end, spreading joy and love.

He’s now with our brother Michael, our brother Brandon, and our father. Our world will never be the same. He will always be forever in our hearts. We love you so much Tito. Rest In Peace.

Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine and Randy”

Other members of the family also expressed their sadness like Latoya Jackson:

“The last memory of my brother Tito a kind and gentle soul! He was trying to capture this moment on his phone to pass it to someone. We will always love you, Tito!”

The Estate of Michael Jackson also paid tribute:

“The passing of Michael’s beloved brother Toriano Adaryll Jackson, known to the world as “Tito,” is an incalculable loss. Wearing his trademark bowler hat, Tito played the guitar with fierceness, skill and passion, even as a teenager when he burst onto the music scene with the Jackson 5 and later with The Jacksons. When Tito wasn’t playing the countless hits he shared with his brothers, he loved to play the blues. Always showing class and a gentlemanly demeanor, Tito amassed numerous accolades over his career, including being inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Jackson 5. But his greatest pride was his family. While he will be missed by fans across the world who loved him and his music, he is especially missed as a son, brother, father to his three sons, TJ, Taryll and Taj, and as a grandfather to his nine grandchildren. Rest in Peace Tito.”

John Branca also paid tribute to Tito:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tito Jackson, a cherished member of the Jackson family and a talented musician. Tito was more than just Michael’s brother and a member of the Jackson 5; he was a proud father, a loving son, and a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the Jackson family.”

Michael Jackson‘s children Prince and Paris have paid tribute to their uncle.

Taking to her Instagram Story on Monday, Paris, 26, shared a throwback photo of her late father and Tito and wrote alongside it, ‘Rest in transition Uncle Tito,’ with a red heart emoji.

Meanwhile, Prince, 27, shared a group family photo on his Instagram which included several members of the famous family surrounding Jackson matriarch Katherine.

MJ The Musical also pay their tribute  with a picture of the brothers with Myles frost and a video of the cast paying tribute to Tito on stage.

“Tito Jackson is an icon of the music industry who has inspired generations of singers, musicians and performers across the world. None more so than our MJ family.

All our condolences to the Jackson family, especially to his sons, TJ, Taj and Taryll.