Tito Jackson, a founding member of The Jackson 5, died just days after paying tribute to his late brother, Michael Jackson, on social media. Tito's sons TJ, Taj, and Taryll announced the bad news on their Instagram on September 15, 2024, while mourning the death of their father. They said they are very sad, and the father was so much loved by others, describing him as the most loving and caring person in life.
In their statement, they warmly recalled Tito's legacy, "It will forever be 'Tito Time' for us," before encouraging the rest of the world to follow his philosophy about love and kindness. The sons also reflected on how much their father meant to them and asked the fans to remember him by living with love and compassion.
Tito, who became a household name in the late 1960s and early 1970s with The Jackson 5's chart-topping hits, such as "I Want You Back," and "ABC," was an accomplished guitarist who helped create that sound for the group. He died four days after he'd posted a heartfelt tribute to Michael Jackson, who had died in 2009 when he was just 50 years old. Tito shared a picture of himself in Munich, Germany, where he and his brothers Jackie and Marlon performed a memorial for Michael. He gave thanks for the memorial, which paid tribute to both Michael's memory and their own legacy.
Reflecting on the tribute, Tito wrote, "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." The emotional post resonated well with fans, who were quick to share their condolence and sadness after hearing of Tito's death. Many commented on how the two brothers had been bonded deep and were musical icons lost during the same time.
Tito's career was not only in music. He sits on the judge's panel for the BBC's celebrity singing competition *Just the Two of Us* and even served as an executive producer for the reality show *The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty*. In 2012, post-Michael's death, Tito and his brothers ran a series of shows, which marked the first Jackson Brothers Tour in nearly 30 years. Despite being absent, Michael's brothers always said that their brother's spirit has always been with them, which has given them the strength and energy to go on.
Tito's death has made fans weep once more for another member of this great Jackson family, so his memory lives on in the music, in the family, and in all the lives he influenced with his kindness.
