Tito Jackson’s sons are “shocked and heartbroken” following the star’s death.
On Sunday family friend and former manager Steve Manning confirmed the Jackson 5 star had passed away aged 70.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late music superstar, with Tito’s sons Taj, Taryll and TJ posting an emotional message on social media.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” read a statement posted on their band 3T’s Instagram page. “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as “Coach Tito” or some know him as “Poppa T.”
The message, accompanied by a carousel of photos featuring their father, continued, “Nevertheless, 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. Your boys, Taj, Taryll and TJ.”
Former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffett also paid a heartfelt tribute to his one-time bandmate.
Describing Tito as his “brother in heart and spirit”, Moffett revealed the news had left a “great sadness” in his life.
“I’m stunned and devastated to receive and hear this disheartening news. I love Tito like my brothers of blood relation,” he wrote in a lengthy message on Facebook. “I’m stunned and dismayed. May God and Jesus Christ receive his soul and spirit with open out stretched arms and welcome him into Heaven’s gate…this is my most sincere prayer this night, this day, this month, and now….this year. I’m at a loss of spirits.”
Moffett signed off by offering his condolences to Tito’s family, especially his 94-year-old mother Katherine Jackson: “Dear mother, I love you dearly. I love you, Tito Jackson, my brother… forever, still.”
Tito’s cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
Manning has stated he believes the star suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
Tito was the third oldest sibling in the Jackson family and shot to fame alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael as the Jackson 5.
