Tito Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson and member of the legendary Jackson Five, has died

The sad news was revealed by the former manager of the Jackson family. Tito Jackson, Michael Jackson’s older brother and member of the legendary Jackson Five, died at the age of 70 on Sunday, September 15, Steve Manning, the former manager of the Jackson family, told Entertainment Tonight.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & 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,” his sons TJ, Taj and Taryll said in a statement posted to Instagram Sunday night.

Tito Jackson was the third of nine Jackson children and the older brother of Michael and Janet. He was part of the Jackson 5 with his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, a family group that produced several hits in the 1970s, including “ABC”, “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There”.

“I don’t think we’ll get used to playing without him.”

Born on October 15, 1953, Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was the least known member of the group as a backing vocalist and guitarist. His younger brother, Michael, became one of the greatest artists in the world, known as the King of Pop. Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 on June 25, 2009.

“I don’t think we’ll ever get used to playing without him. We miss him a lot,” he continued, noting that his spirit “is with us when we play. He gives us a lot of positive energy and makes us smile.”