In a bit of unfortunate and very unexpected news, Tito Jackson—yes, that Tito Jackson, of Jackson 5 fame—has decided to take his final encore. The musician, who was the third act in the legendary Jackson family, has officially left the building as of Sunday (September 15), according to Steve Manning, the family’s former manager, who apparently still has enough Jackson insider knowledge to confirm such things.
Now, if you’re wondering how Tito made his exit, Steve has a theory. He believes our dear Tito may have suffered a heart attack while on a road trip from New Mexico to Oklahoma. Now, listen—no official word on the cause yet, but let’s be real, that’s a road trip long enough to make anyone question their life choices. So while we wait for an official explanation, let’s all just take a moment to send some “What were you thinking?” vibes to Tito’s last GPS route.
While Tito is best known for being the Jackson sibling who kept the group grounded—aka “the sensible one” in The Jackson 5—he did step out of his brothers’ glittery shadows to start his own solo gig in 2003. And what did he choose to serenade the world with? The blues! Because nothing says “I survived years of synchronized dance moves and sequined jumpsuits” like picking up a guitar and strumming the heartache away. Tito released two solo albums: Tito Time in 2016 and Under Your Spell in 2021. Both titles suggest Tito wasn’t afraid to make time for you while simultaneously casting some serious musical spells.
Tito leaves behind three sons—Taj, Taryll, and TJ—who are probably realizing now that they have some giant (and rhythmically precise) shoes to fill. Along with them, nine grandchildren will continue the Jackson legacy, presumably inheriting at least a fraction of the family’s iconic dance moves, killer vocals, or penchant for wearing matching outfits.
So here’s to Tito—he may be gone, but his legacy will keep doing the moonwalk in our hearts. Thoughts, prayers, and plenty of “He was the chill one, right?” condolences to the Jackson family. May his rhythm forever rest in peace.
BREAKING: Tito Jackson has died at the age of 70.
Steve Manning, a longtime Jackson family friend and former Jackson family manager, tells ET that Tito passed away today. While an official cause of death has not yet been determined, Manning believes that Tito suffered a heart… pic.twitter.com/coZCZm3T9i
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) September 16, 2024
