Jackson 5 member Tito Jackson cause of death revealed as he dies age 70

The former pop singer’s death was confirmed by his sons via a statement on Instagram yesterday (September 15).

TJ, Taj and Taryll wrote: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Tito Jackson of Jackson 5 and The Jacksons performs onstage during the Fool in Love Festival at Hollywood Park Grounds on August 31, 2024 in Inglewood, California (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”

Tito was part of the pop group The Jackson 5, which included Michael, Jermaine, Marlon and Jackie, and was one of nine siblings.

While a cause of death has not been officially confirmed, Steve Manning, a friend of Tito and former Jackson family manager, told Entertainment Tonight that he believes his death was due to a heart attack suffered while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.

Just over two weeks ago Tito was pictured playing the guitar on stage during the Fool in Love Festival at Hollywood Park Grounds in Inglewood, California, on August 31.

Tito Jackson playing guitar alongside The Jacksons – including Michael in the middle (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

While just on September 8, he appeared with his brothers Jackie and Marlon Jacksons in Surrey, England, touring as The Jacksons.

They were due to play in Atlantic City, New Jersey, just next month on October 25, and exactly a week later in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Taking to Facebook just days before he died, Tito posted a message on social media from Munich, Germany on September 11, where he visited a memorial to Michael with his brothers.

He wrote: “Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson.

“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 family group, which was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, produced several No 1 hits in the 1970s including ABC, I Want You Back and I’ll Be There.

Born on October 15, 1953, Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was the least-heard member of the group as a background singer who played guitar.

Tito pictured alongside his brother Michael Jackson (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

His brothers launched solo careers, including Michael, who became one of the world’s biggest performers known as The King of Pop.

Michael Jackson died at age 50 on June 25, 2009.

Speaking to The Associated Press in December 2009, Tito said his younger brother’s death pulled the family closer together.

“I would say definitely it brought us a step closer to each other.

“To recognise that the love we have for each other when one of us is not here, what a great loss,” he said, adding he would personally never “be at peace with it”.

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

In 2014, Tito said he and his brothers still felt Michael’s absence on stage.

“I don’t think we will ever get used to performing without him. He’s dearly missed,” he said, noting that 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”.