Michael Jackson’s children, Paris and Prince, paid tribute to his brother, Tito, who died at age 70.
The siblings each took to Instagram on Monday to mourn their late uncle the day after he died of an apparent heart attack.
Paris, 26, shared a throwback photo of Tito and Michael on her IG Story, with the caption, “rest in transition uncle tito ❤️.”
Paris and Prince Jackson in Beverly Hills in Nov. 2019. Getty Images for the Ryan Gordy Paris Jackson’s tribute to Tito Jackson. Instagram / @parisjacksonPrince, 27, posted a more recent picture of some of the Jackson family, including his uncle Tito, aunt La Toya Jackson and grandmother Katherine Jackson.
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“Love you forever Poppa T❤️,” Prince wrote in his caption.
Prince Jackson’s tribute to Tito Jackson. Instagram / @princejacksonTJ Jackson, one of Tito’s three sons, commented on the post, “He always spoke so highly about you Prince and was so proud of the man you have become and your love for family.”
“Thank you for being such a great nephew to him,” TJ, 46, added.
In 2009, TJ became the legal guardian of Paris, Prince and their younger brother Bigi, 22, (formerly known as Blanket) after Michael died at age 50. He held that role until they all became legal adults.
Tito and Michael Jackson at Michael’s child molestation trial in 2005. AFP via Getty Images Paris and Tito Jackson in 2012. MEGA Paris and Prince Jackson at the 2022 Tony Awards. Getty Images for Tony Awards Pro“When [Michael] passed, my brothers and I, we went to our grandmother and basically told her, however we can help, we want to be there,” TJ said on the Black Hollywood Live podcast in 2019.
“In time, as she’s gotten older, she’s kind of phased out of it and now I’m officially just the sole guardian. She relinquished it recently,” he added at the time.
Paris and Prince Jackson at the 22nd Annual Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala in Aug. 2022. Getty Images for Harold & Carole Pump FoundationThe Jackson family suffered another tragedy over the weekend when Tito — the third of 10 children of Katherine and Joe Jackson, and an original member of the Jackson 5 — passed away.
Former Jackson family manager Steve Manning told Entertainment Tonight that Tito had a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday.
Tito Jackson performing in Atlanta in 2019. Getty Images Tito Jackson at SiriusXM Studios in NYC in 2019. Getty ImagesCops told the Daily Mail that Tito suffered the heart attack in a New Mexico shopping center.
He was taken in an ambulance to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead hours later.
TJ and his brothers Taj, 51, and Taryll, 49, confirmed their dad’s death in a joint statement on their band 3T’s Instagram account.
Tito Jackson and his three sons. Instagram / @3tworld“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” the siblings said.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,” the statement continued. “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.’ “
Tito, Jermaine, Michael, Randy, Marlon and Jackie Jackson in 1972. News Licensing / MEGA“Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously,” the brothers added. “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.”
Tito Jackson at the Fool In Love Festival 2024. Getty ImagesDays before his death, Tito and his brothers were in Munich, Germany where they visited a memorial for Michael. The King of Pop died by acute propofol intoxication in June 2009.
“We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy,” Tito wrote on Facebook. “Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”