Tito Jackson’s three sons have paid tribute to the late Jackson 5 star after he was killed by a suspected heart attack while driving.
RadarOnline.com can reveal that Tay, Taryll and TJ – who performed as pop group 3T – are “shocked, saddened and heartbroken” by the singer’s death at the age of 70 while traveling from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
The trio said on Instagram: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. 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 may know him as ‘Poppa T’.
“Nonetheless, he will be deeply missed. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Don’t forget to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another’. We love you, Dad.”
Jackson reportedly died on Sunday and family friend Steve Manning said he suffered a heart attack while driving.
However, an official cause of death for the singer – whose brother Michael was killed by a drug overdose in 2009 at the age of 50 – has not yet been announced.
Former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffett also paid tribute to Jackson, writing in a post on Facebook: “I am stunned and devastated to receive and hear this disheartening news.
“I love Tito like my relatives. I am stunned and appalled… I am at my wits’ end. I am trying to gather my thoughts, memories of him… and mental senses… my most sincere and deepest thoughts and prayers for my second mother, [Tito’s mother] Katherine [Jackson] (my love for Katherine… is eternal. Dear mother, I love you very much).
“My heart and soul are with my nephews, 3T and all his grandchildren. I love you all very much. You are my second family.”
This is a development story. More to follow…
Do you have a tip? Send it to us! E-mail RadarOnline.com bee tips@radaronline.com.
