Tito Jackson, musician and member of the legendary Jackson family, has died aged 70.
The news was confirmed by Steve Manning, a longtime friend of the Jackson family and former manager, in a statement to ET.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jackson 5 perform I Want You Back.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
While the official cause of death has not yet been determined, Manning speculates that Tito Jackson may have suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
Further details are expected as updates continue to develop.
Tito Jackson was a central figure in the Jackson family, known for his role as a guitarist and vocalist in the famous group, The Jackson 5.
Hi final Instagram post, four days prior to his death, showed Jackson and his brothers visiting a memorial for their late brother Michael Jackson.
The “King of Pop” died in 2009 aged 50 of cardiac arrest caused by a lethal combination of sedatives and an anaesthetic.
“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson,” Tito wrote on Instagram on September 12.
“We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honours not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
The Jackson brothers were on tour around Europe with dates to follow later in the year across the US.
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, Tito Jackson grew up in Gary, Indiana, where his family’s musical talents first began to take shape.
As the third oldest of the Jackson siblings, Tito, along with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, formed The Jackson 5 in the late 1960s.
The group achieved massive success with a string of hits, including I Want You Back, ABC, and Never Can Say Goodbye, which catapulted them to international fame.
Tito, known for his skilful guitar playing and smooth vocals, played a pivotal role in the band’s success.
His guitar riffs and harmonies were integral to the group’s distinctive sound, which blended pop, soul, and Motown influences.
After The Jackson 5’s initial success, Tito continued to contribute to the family’s musical endeavours.
In the 1980s, he was part of the reunion group The Jacksons, and he also pursued a solo career.
He later released solo albums, including Tito (1979) and I’m the One You Need (1981).
Jackson is survived by his children TJ, Taj and Taryll Jackson and siblings Rebbie, Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine, La Toya, Randy, Janet and JohVonnie.