Only days before he died, Tito Jackson shared an emotional last post on social media, leaving fans completely heartbroken.
The post shows Tito with his two brothers visiting a memorial for their late brother Michael, who died in 2009. “Thank you for keeping his spirit alive,” the legendary member of the Jackson 5 wrote in the September 11 post, his last message before his death on September 15.
The world was completely shaken on September 15 when it was announced that Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who made up the beloved pop group the Jackson 5, had died at 70.
Tito was the third of nine children, including global superstars Michael and Janet, and was part of a music-making family whose songs have sold hundreds of millions of copies.
During their time as the Jackson 5, the family produced several No. 1 hits 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, expressed their heartbreak in social media post shared 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 offered their condolences in the comments section, wishing the family a lot of 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 death 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’
Days before his death, Tito posted a message on his Facebook page from Germany on September 11, where he visited a memorial to Michael Jackson with his brothers.
“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 death spread, fans initially offered him their support, expressing their sadness over 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’
And then on September 15, the sentiment shifted as Tito’s image of visiting Michael’s memorial became his somber last post.
One fans pens, “You were part of my inspiration to get my first guitar! I’m in shock…may you rest in eternal peace…Prayers for the entire Jackson family.”
Another, expressing his shock, writes, “No! I can’t believe that Tito Jackson has now died 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 not yet revealed his cause of death but according to Steve Manning, the Jackson’s family friend and former manager, Tito died of a heart attack at a mall in New Mexico, where he had stopped en route to Oklahoma where he moved earlier this year.
Rest in peace, Tito. Please let us know what you think of this story and then share it with your friends so we can all send family and friends a lot of love in their time of grieving.
