Tito Jackson, original member of The Jackson 5 and brother of Michael Jackson, dies aged 70

Tito Jackson, original Jackson 5 member and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has died aged 70.

"It's with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us," his sons TJ, Taj and Taryll said in a statement posted on Instagram late on Sunday (Monday AEST).

"We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.

IN PICTURES: Every glamorous look from the Emmy Awards red carpet

"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."

Entertainment Tonight was the first to break the news, reporting via social media that longtime Jackson family friend Steve Manning had shared the sad news.

"Steve Manning, a longtime Jackson family friend and former Jackson family manager, tells ET that Tito passed away today," they post read.

"While an official cause of death has not been determined, Manning believes that Tito suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma."

READ MORE: Royals break years of silence in public tribute to Prince Harry

The musician's nephew Siggy Jackson confirmed the news to People.

Tito was part of The Jackson 5 with his brothers Randy, Michael, Marlon and Jackie.

The was the third eldest child in the Jackson family, which included sisters Rebbie, LaToya and Janet.

Following The Jackson 5, later known as The Jacksons, Tito continued as a solo artist in 2003, performing as a blues musician.

Tito was one of nine siblings, the most famous of whom was Michael Jackson.

View gallery

Obituaries for celebrities we lost in 2024

Michael died 2009 at the age of 50 of a cardiac arrest after receiving a lethal dose of drugs including sedatives and propofol, an anesthetic.

His doctor Conrad Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter over the death.

Just four days before the news of his death was reported, Tito and his brothers Jackie and Marlon paid a visit to a memorial in Michael's honour in Munich, Germany.

"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," Tito wrote on social media.

The original story of The Jackson 5 describes Tito being caught playing his father's guitar after he broke a string.

After fixing the string, his father Joe demanded his son play for him.

Tito was so talented, his father bought him his own guitar and encouraged his brothers to perform with him.

Michael, just five at the time, was a last-minute addition to the group.

The Jackson 5 launched in 1964 and quickly rose to prominence in the '70s and '80s with a string of hits including I Want You Back and ABC, before Michael left the group to launch an epic solo career in 1984.

Tito later launched a successful career as a blues musician. In 2007 he appeared as a judge on the BBC celebrity singing competition Just the Two of Us.

READ MORE: Band apologises, cancels show after on-stage altercation

Tito also acted as executive producer of The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty, together with his brothers after Michael's death.

Tito continued to perform over the decades, including in 2023 with brazilian artist Natalia Damini with the song Attitude.

Tito was married to Delores Martes until 1988 when they divorced.

Martes died in 1994 in what was initially thought to be an accidental drowning after her body was found in a swimming pool.

Los Angeles businessman Donald Bohana was later found guilty of second-degree murder in 1998 over her death.

Tito and Martes were parents to three sons who formed the musical group 3T in the nineties. They are Toriano, Taryll and Tito Jr.

Tito is survived by his son and nine grandchildren.

Prior to his death, the musician had been performing with brothers Jackie and Marlon, with shows as recently as September 8. They were due to return to the stage in October.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.