Tito Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 co-founder, dies at 70

Tito Jackson, who rose to fame alongside his brothers in the Jackson 5, has died. He was 70.

Tito's sons — Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson — confirmed his death in an Instagram tribute early Monday morning.

"We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being," the sons captioned a carousel of photos featuring Tito, his sons and the Jackson 5, in collaboration with Tito's official Instagram account.

"It will forever be 'Tito Time' for us," they continued. "Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is 'Love One Another.' We love you Pops."

The news was first reported by "ET" with Steve Manning, a longtime Jackson family friend and former Jackson family manager, telling the outlet he died Sunday.

USA TODAY has reached out to Jackson's rep for comment.

With siblings Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael Jackson, Tito became a Motown hit as one-fifth of the Jackson 5, later The Jacksons. The group's four consecutive Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There" were part of the foundation of what became known as Jacksonmania, as the brothers crooned and danced their way into the hearts of America under the stiff management of father Joe Jackson.

Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Jackson 5 in 1997 and earned three Grammy nominations throughout his career as part of the group for best R&B performance by a duo or group and best contemporary vocal performance by a duo or group. The group released 16 studio albums, 10 as the Jackson 5 and six as The Jacksons, becoming a household name as a unit and as individuals. The Jacksons became a national sensation, a seminal boy band with chart-topping and cultural success, especially in Black homes across the country.

Entertainment mogul Suzanne de Passe, who worked with the Jackson 5, said Jackson was the "quiet yet powerful guiding force of the group."

"Our schedule was hectic, demanding, and intense, and it was always Tito keeping the group on track," De Passe said in a statement. "As his musicianship grew stronger and stronger, so did his contribution to the excellence of the group. He was always eager to make things better, crisper, more perfect."

She added: "His dedication, both to the group and to his craft, shaped the incredible success they went on to achieve. Tito’s spirit, both on and off stage, will be deeply missed but never forgotten."

Jackson also embarked on a solo career, releasing albums "Tito Time" in 2016 and "Under Your Spell" in 2021. He released new music as recently as last year, joining forces with Brazilian singer Natalia Damini for their song "Attitude" and its accompanying music video.

Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, Jackson was the third of 10 children of the family, including his brothers and bandmates as well as Randy, Rebbie, La Toya, Brandon and Janet Jackson. Parents Joe and Katherine Jackson moved into the 672-square-foot two-bedroom bungalow in January 1950 at 2300 Jackson St., which served as the name of The Jacksons' 1989 album and its lead single.

As success declined for the band of brothers, they ventured into solo careers, with Jermaine and Michael Jackson finding their own path outside the group.

Michael Jackson became one of the most significant figures in music, crowned the King of Pop for his contributions to music and beyond. Jackson's death on June 25, 2009, at his home in Los Angeles of an accidental drug overdose at age 50, shocked the world, though his legacy has been tarnished throughout his career and in death due to multiple allegations of abuse.

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Tito Jackson mourned his brother Michael over the summer on the 15th anniversary of his death earlier this year. Tito Jackson shared a black-and-white image of his younger brother with the hashtags "#15yearswithoutmichaeljackson #gonetoosoon #alwaysinourhearts #MJ4ever #missyoumuch #nowords."

Just four days before his death, Jackson and brothers Jackie and Marlon visited a memorial for Michael in Munich before a concert they performed together.

"We're deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy," Tito Jackson wrote on Instagram with a photo of the brothers at the memorial site, covered in flowers and featuring photos of Michael Jackson. "Thank you for keeping his spirit alive."

Tito, Jackie and Marlon have been performing as The Jacksons, with upcoming concerts scheduled for Oct. 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey and Nov. 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Tito Jackson is survived by his three sons, whom he shared with late ex-wife Delores Martes.

Contributing: Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY; Cheryl V. Jackson, Indianapolis Star

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tito Jackson dead: Jackson 5 member, Michael's brother was 70