Taj Jackson Reveals the Real Reason Behind Tito Jackson’s Death at 70

The music world was shaken when news broke of Tito Jackson’s passing at age 70. As a beloved member of the legendary Jackson 5 and older brother to Michael and Janet Jackson, Tito left an indelible mark on the industry.

His sons—Taj, TJ, and Taryll—recently opened up about their father’s death and the profound impact he had on their lives.

Tito Jackson’s death was first reported by Entertainment Tonight, with his nephew Siggy Jackson confirming the heartbreaking news. According to reports, Tito died suddenly on Sunday, September 15, after suffering an apparent heart attack. His sons, who make up the music group 3T, paid tribute to their father in an emotional Instagram post.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce our beloved father, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken,” they wrote.

The brothers described Tito as an incredible man who cared deeply for others. “Some may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some as Coach Tito, or Papa T.

Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously. It will forever be Tito time for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached—love one another. We love you, Pops,” the tribute concluded, signed “Your boys” and accompanied by hashtags like #TitoJackson and #LoveOneAnother.

Tito managed his sons’ band 3T and played a pivotal role in their lives, both personally and professionally. The group and their father appeared together in the 2015 reality series “The Jacksons: Next Generation,” which followed the brothers as they balanced music and family life under the weight of the Jackson legacy.

The Instagram post included a carousel of images: childhood photos with Tito, snapshots of the early days of 3T, and pictures of Tito performing with his sons and the Jackson 5.

In the months before his passing, Tito was still actively performing with his brothers Jackie and Marlon as The Jacksons. Their last performance was on September 8 in Surrey, England, at the Boogie Town Festival, and they had upcoming shows scheduled in Atlantic City and Cincinnati.

Born Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of ten children born to Joseph and Katherine Jackson. Raised in a modest household, Tito discovered his passion for music at an early age.

His father, noticing his interest in guitar, encouraged him to pursue music—eventually leading to one of the most iconic family acts in history.

In the early 1960s, Tito and his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael formed a group first known as The Jackson Brothers, which became The Jackson 5 with Michael’s addition.

Tito served as the band’s guitarist, providing the rhythmic backbone to their soulful sound. Their dynamic performances and harmonious vocals quickly gained attention, leading to a contract with Motown Records in 1968.

The Jackson 5’s debut single “I Want You Back” topped the charts, followed by hits like “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There.” They became the first group to have their first four singles hit number one in the U.S. In 1975, creative differences prompted the group to leave Motown for Epic Records, changing their name to The Jacksons. Tito continued to shine as a guitarist and vocalist, helping the group take on more creative control.

Tito’s legacy lives on through his music, his sons, and the love he inspired in his family and fans. As Taj Jackson revealed, the real reason behind Tito’s death was a sudden heart attack, but his impact and message of love endure.