Just days before his death legendary musician and member of The Jackson 5 Tito Jackson paid a loving tribute to his brother Michael before playing a show in Munich. Tito along with his brothers Jackie and Marlon visited a memorial dedicated to their brother in the German city prior to their performance on Tuesday.
Posting to Instagram along with a picture of the brothers bowing with respect, Tito said: "Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson. 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."
Fans commented on the singer's Instagram post expressing disbelief at his sudden passing.
"Just saw and article. I hope it's a hoax. Someone please tell me we didn't lose Tito," one user wrote. Others expressed their grief and sadness. "RIP legend you're with your little brother Michael now," another wrote.
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third oldest child of the world renowned Jackson family and along with his younger brother Micheal was a part of the legendary R&B group the Jackson 5. Older brother to both Janet and as well as Michael, Tito played an important role in the families rise to fame. Tito's guitar skills helped the shape the groups iconic sound and helped them become one of Motown's premiere artists during the 1960s and 70s. Siblings Michael and Janet would become the breakout stars of the family going on to have widely successful solo careers.
Towards the end of his life Tito said that the untimely death of his younger brother in 2009 still haunted him to this day. Although Tito did play music with his brothers for a significant part of his career, his solo work saw him explore his passion for blues music and branch out beyond the pop sensibilities that defined his early career.
In August Tito returned to the U.K and stayed just a few miles away from the O2, the venue his younger brother was supposed to begin faithful Is This Is residency. Upon returning the U.S Tito opened up about why Michaels still sticks with him to this day.
"The world was not kind to Michael at all. I don't know why. I would always say if we didn't have him, we sure would miss him," Tito told The Mirror last month. "His death was such a major tragedy. The world definitely missed out on a lot of goodness from him, because he wasn't just a musician or an artist, he was a loving person. He loved to give."
Tito still performed with The Jacksons up until his death, and its said that he remained close to all of Michael's children Prince, Paris, and Bigi "Blanket" Jackson, visiting them in Los Angeles whenever he could.
Tito leaves behind three sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ who have continued the family legacy by forming their own R&B/Pop group, 3T. In addition to three sons, Tito is survived by nine grandchildren. The cause of death has yet to be released. Tito Jackson was 70-years-old.
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