Tito Jackson published an emotional final social media post only days before his ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ, leaving admirers heartbroken.
The post depicts Tito and his two brothers visiting a memorial to their late brother Michael, who ᴅɪᴇᴅ in 2009. “Thank you for keeping his spirit alive,” the iconic member of the Jackson 5 said in the September 11 post, his final statement before ᴅʏɪɴɢ on September 15.
The world was completely rattled on September 15 when it was reported that Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who comprised the famed pop group the Jackson 5, had ᴅɪᴇᴅ at the age of 70.
Tito was the third of nine children, including global superstars Michael and Janet, and was raised in a musical family whose songs have sold hundreds of millions of copies.
During their tenure as the Jackson 5, the family scored multiple No. 1 songs in the 1970s, including “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There.” They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Poppa T
The singer’s three sons Taj, 41, TJ, 46, and Taryll, 39, conveyed their sadness in a social media post uploaded on their band’s Facebook page.
“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,” The trio writes on the 3T account. “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 post ends, “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.”
Fans shared their condolences in the comments area, sending the family much love.
“I feel so sorry that you guys lost your father and I feel so sorry for your grandmother she has to go for this once again,” writes on cyber fan, referring to Michael Jackson’s ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ in 2009.
A second netizen offers, “My condolences to you all young men. May your Dad RIP in his Heavenly Home. I grew up in the Jackson 5 ERA, I was a real groupie and loved going to the concerts.” And a third shares, “I’m so sorry! I love you all. I was hoping it was fake news and still can’t believe it.”
‘Beautiful memorial’
Tito sent a message on his Facebook page from Germany on September 11, when he visited a Michael Jackson memorial with his brothers, days before his ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ.
“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson.” Tito wrote in the post that shows the three siblings proudly looking at the shrine dedicated to the memory of the late “king of pop.” “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.”
Michael’s ‘legacy lives on’
Before news of Tito’s ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ circulated, people expressed their condolences for the loss of his brother.
“Hello [guys], I know you miss your brother just as much as we do,” starts one fan. “I can’t imagine your pain, but just know we love you guys, and we love Michael even more today. However, the world isn’t the same without him.”
A second shares, “His legacy lives on through the love and memories we hold in our hearts. Michael will never be forgotten!” and a third notes, “Beautiful memorial of your brother. May he rest in peace. You have a great family, you all come together.”
‘With your brother now’
The sentiment transformed on September 15, when Tito’s image of attending Michael’s memorial became his melancholy final post.
One fans pens, “You were part of my inspiration to get my first guitar! I’m in sh0ck…may you rest in eternal peace…Pr:ayers for the entire Jackson family.”
Another, expressing his shock, writes, “No! I can’t believe that Tito Jackson has now ᴅɪᴇᴅ too! Prayers and condolences to the entire Jackson family during this difficult time.”
Another adds of their grief, “With your brother now Tito, my heart is broken.”
An autopsy has yet to confirm his cause of death, but Tito ᴅɪᴇᴅ of a heart attack at a mall in New Mexico, where he had stopped on his way to Oklahoma, where he moved earlier this year, according to Steve Manning, the Jackson family friend and former manager.
Rest in peace, Tito. Please share your thoughts on this article with your friends so that we may all offer our love to relatives and friends during this difficult time.
