Jackson 5 star Tito Jackson dies aged 70
Tito Jackson, an original member of The Jackson 5 and brother of Michael Jackson, has died aged 70.
He found fame with siblings Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael – who went on to become a pop megastar and died in 2009.
The group had hits in the 1970s including ABC, I Want You Back, Blame It On The Boogie, and I’ll Be There.
Tito – the third of nine Jackson children – played guitar and provided backing vocals.
(L-R) Tito, Jackie, Marlon, Michael and Jermaine Jackson in 1977. Pic: Sipa/Shutterstock
He was also the last of the siblings to do a solo project, releasing album Tito Time in 2016.
Tito was still touring with brothers Jackie and Marlon and they played a festival in the UK earlier this month.
His death was announced “with heavy hearts” by sons Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson – who found fame themselves in the group 3T in the 1990s.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” they wrote on Instagram.
“Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their wellbeing.”
They added: “He will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time” for us.
“Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops.”
Tito was often called the quietest member of the group and as well as his work with his brothers, continued to play with a blues band.
He was also a judge on BBC singing show Just The Two Of Us in 2006.
Tito and Michael Jackson in 1984. Pic: AP
The nine Jackson siblings also include sisters Janet, LaToya and Rebbie, as well as brother Randy.
The Jackson 5 formed in Indiana in 1964 and were managed by their father, Joe Jackson.
(L-R) Marlon, Jackie, La Toya, Janet, Randy, Tito and Michael Jackson during a 1975 appearance at the Millrun Playhouse Theater. Pic: Everett/Shutterstock
They became a sensation – and are often cited as one of the original boy bands – after having four straight number one singles in the US at the turn of the decade.
Four studio albums and an estimated 150 million worldwide sales followed – with the group inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Their success provided the launchpad for star member Michael to break out and begin solo work while still with the Jackson 5.
He eventually left the group in 1984 after the huge success of his Thriller album.
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The group enjoyed major success in the 1970s. Pic: AP
Tito played in the UK with The Jacksons on 8 September at the Boogietown Festival in Surrey.
Their most recent show was in Munich in Germany last Tuesday.
Tito posted a Facebook message from the city and said the family had visited a memorial to Michael.
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,” he wrote.
Tito is survived by his three sisters, four brothers and their mother Katherine.
The King has written to former US president Joe Biden after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, Buckingham Palace said
The monarch, who is undergoing his own treatment for an undisclosed cancer, hosted the 82-year-old for tea and talks at Windsor in July 2023.
Mr Biden was diagnosed on Friday, with tests revealing the cancer had spread to his bones.
The former president posted an image of himself and his wife Jill on X on Monday and wrote: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
The King and Joe Biden at Windsor Castle in July 2023. Pic: Reuters
The King’s letter comes after British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.
Meanwhile US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Read more: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Barack Obama (right) with Joe Biden at a campaign event in 2022. File pic: Reuters
After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns around his age and fitness to serve, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election race and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
Ms Harris wrote on X after his diagnosis: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
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Mr Biden’s diagnosis: What we know
Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.
Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.
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Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.
Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media that he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.
Politicians have sent messages of support to Joe Biden, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 82-year-old, who is the oldest person to ever serve as US president, was described as a “fighter” with people wishing him a “fast and full recovery”.
US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Read more: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Barack Obama (right) with Joe Biden at a campaign event in 2022. File pic: Reuters
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.
After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns for his health, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 election and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
Ms Harris wrote on X: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Mr Biden’s diagnosis: What we know
Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.
Speaker of the US House Of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.
Read more from Sky News:
UK and EU sign reset deal – live updates
Gary Lineker to leave BBC next week
Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday
Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.
Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.
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