Getty ImagesTito Jackson, founding member of the pop group Jackson 5 and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has died at the age of 70, US media reports.
An official cause of death has not yet been determined.
Tito performed in the legendary ensemble with brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, who died in 2009.
He was recently in Munich, where the group was scheduled to perform.
Getty ImagesSteve Manning, a longtime Jackson family friend and former Jackson family manager, told Entertainment Tonight that Jackson died on Monday.
The news was confirmed in an Instagram post by his three sons Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, who were themselves an R’n’B/pop trio called 3T in the 1990s.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” they wrote. “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
They continued: “We will miss him terribly. For us it will always be ‘Tito time’.”
“Please remember to do what our father always preached, and that is, ‘Love one another.’ We love you, Dad.”
The Jackson 5’s hits included “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I Want You Back.”
The group was founded in 1964 and has sold over 150 million records worldwide.
In 1980, the siblings received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Getty ImagesJackson was still playing with The Jacksons in August when he performed at the Fool in Love Festival at Hollywood Park Grounds in California on August 31 with Taryll, Jackie and Marlon Jackson.
Former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan Moffett led the tributes on social media, Write on X: “There is great sadness in my heart tonight – I just learned that my brother in heart and spirit, Tito Jackson, has passed away.
“I am stunned, devastated and speechless. I love you Tito. My deepest love and prayers go out to the entire Jackson family. I love you all SO MUCH.”
Tito was the third eldest Jackson and one of nine siblings, including Janet and LaToya Jackson.
In addition to his work in the band, he also pursued a solo career as a blues musician.
With his 2016 hit “Get It Baby,” he was the last of the siblings to have a solo single place on the Billboard charts.
Tito had three sons – Taj, Taryll and TJ – who form the pop group 3T.
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