Tito Jackson, the brother of Michael Jackson and founding member of the Jackson 5, had died. He was 70.
His family confirmed the news of his death early Monday morning in a statement posted on Instagram.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us,” his three sons Taj, Taryll and TJ wrote in a joint Instagram statement on Monday.
They added: “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken.”
He died Sunday of an apparent heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, former Jackson family manager Steve Manning told Entertainment Tonight. The official cause of death has not yet been announced.
The brothers described their late father as an “incredible man” who always thought of others.
“Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson of the legendary Jackson 5, others may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or still others as ‘Poppa T,'” they wrote. “Nevertheless, he will be terribly missed.”
“For us, it will always be ‘Tito time,'” he continued. “Please don’t forget to do what our father always preached, and that is ‘Love one another.’ We love you, Dad.”
They signed the note on behalf of “their boys” and shared a slideshow of snapshots depicting various moments from the musician’s eventful life.
The post’s comments section was flooded with touching tributes.
“My family sends their condolences to your family. Your father was a great man who we will miss and love forever. Blessings always ♾️,” one person wrote.
“I am so sorry for her loss. He is dancing with Michael again 💜,” wrote a second person about the “Billie Jean” singer, who died in 2009.
“Thanks Tito for bringing the guitar🤍,” wrote a third fan.