Photos: On Tito Jackson passing & his ex-wife, Delores 'Dee Dee' Martes

Tito Jackson died Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the age of 70.

Steve Manning, a longtime Jackson family friend and former Jackson family manager reported that Tito passed away Monday. 

While an official cause of death has not yet been determined, Manning believes that Tito suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. 

His brother, the late King Michael Jackson pays tribute. 

He wrote: 

Tito Jackson's passing is an incalculable loss. Tito played a guitar with fierceness + passion & amassed numerous accolades over his career but his greatest pride was his family. He will be missed by fans + especially as a son, brother, father & grandfather. Rest in Peace Tito.

Tito's sons shared poignant snaps and an emotional tribute to their father, writing: 

'It’s 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. '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.” 

'Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously. 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. Your boys, Taj, Taryll and TJ.' 

His sons' mother was Delores 'Dee Dee' Martes who Jackson wed in 1972 and divorced in 1988. 

All the way back in 1972, at the age of 18, Tito married his high school sweetheart Delores (aka Dee Dee) Martes. 

A year later, Dee Dee would give birth to the first out of three kids: Tariano Adaryll (Taj) Jackson II. Taryll followed two years later in 1975, and TJ in 1978.  

She was found dead in a swimming pool in 1994 aged 39 and while her death was originally ruled accidental - her boyfriend Donald Bohana was subsequently charged with murdering her and later found guilty of second-degree murder in 1998. 

He was granted parole in December 2022 after serving 24 years. The Jackson 5 formed in 1964, with founding members Tito - born Toriano Adaryll - Jackie and Jermaine; younger brothers Marlon and Michael joined soon after.