Michael Jackson’s older brother Tito dead, aged 70
Michael Jackson’s older brother Tito has died, aged 70.
Steve Manning, a longtime Jackson family friend and former Jackson family manager, told ET that Tito passed away from a suspected heart attack, although the official cause of death has not been confirmed.
It is understood it happened while he was driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
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Tito was considered music royalty and was the third eldest brother in the family musical group The Jackson 5, which was inducted into the Rock’n Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
He was still performing in the days before his death, having recently toured Europe with his brothers Marlon and Jackie.
In an eerie final post on Instagram, Tito posted a picture of himself and his brothers visiting a memorial to Michael Jackson in Munich.
“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.”
Known as the King of Pop, Michael passed away from a cardiac arrest brought on by a drug overdose in 25 June in 2009.
The Jackson 5 formed in 1964 and became hugely popular. Their hits include I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save and I’ll Be There.
The group made history in 1970 as the first recording act whose first four singles reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Tito was known for the guitar riffs and harmonies that contributed to the band’s success. He later released solo albums including Tito, in 1979, and and I’m the One You Need in 1981.
Jackson is survived by his children TJ, Taj and Taryll Jackson and siblings Rebbie, Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine, La Toya, Randy, Janet and JohVonnie.
