Tito Jackson, who recently passed away at the age of 70, was one of the original Jackson 5, but he also created the Jackson 3: his sons Taj, Taryll and TJ.
The three men, who together form the music group 3T, wrote on Instagram that they were “shocked, saddened and heartbroken” by the death of their father. “For us, it will always be ‘Tito time,'” they added. An official cause of death was not initially announced.
With his background in the music industry, Tito managed his sons’ careers as a music group. They appeared on the reality show “The Jacksons: Next Generation” in 2015.
Tito married his ex-wife, Delores “Dee Dee” Martes, when they were both teenagers. After having three children and being married for 16 years, they divorced in 1988.
Read on to learn more about Tito’s three children.
Taj Jackson
Tariano Adaryll “Taj” Jackson II was born on August 4, 1973.
When Michael Jackson was accused of sexual abuse in 2013, Taj defended his uncle.
According to CNN, Taj posted a series of Twitter messages about being sexually abused by a relative as a child.
Taj referred to this experience again at X in March 2024, writing, “Little did we know that our mother would hide the abuse from our father (who would definitely have taken matters and the law into his own hands) and privately confide in our Uncle Michael.”
Taj included a handwritten response from Michael that said, “Dee Dee, please read this article about child abuse and please read it to Taj, Tj and Taryll… it shows that even your own relatives can abuse children or even uncles or aunts abuse nephews or nieces. Please read it. Love, MJ.”
Taj married Thayana Sco Jackson in 2013 and the couple has three young daughters named Taylor, Toria and Tylee.
Taryl Jackson
In recent years, Taryll occasionally accompanied Tito and his uncles Marlon and Jackie when they toured as The Jacksons.
While in France doing press for the tour, Taryll said he was impressed that his uncle and brothers are “always trying to get better” during rehearsals and sound checks. “They’re still making changes. They’re still changing things. They’re adding songs. They’re taking songs away. They’re still trying to make the show better for the fans.”
Taryll was born in 1975 and is the father of two sons, Bryce and Adren, whom he has with his partner Breana Cabral.
TJ Jackson
Tito’s youngest son TJ was born in 1978.
According to NBC News, he didn’t really step into the spotlight until after Michael Jackson’s death. His grandmother, Katherine Jackson, was initially the sole person responsible for Michael’s children – Prince, Paris and Blanket – but when Katherine was reported “missing,” TJ was temporarily named co-guardian.
Finally, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff confirmed joint guardianship, saying, “It is clear to me that the children have a very strong, loving relationship with TJ Jackson.”
TJ is married to Frances Jackson. Together they have four children: Royal, Delores “Dee Dee”, Dallas “Jo Jo” and Rio. He also has two stepchildren named Sage and Lexci. Not surprisingly, daughters Dee Dee and Jo Jo also seem to be musically gifted.
