Nearly two months after his sudden passing, the Jackson family laid Tito Jackson to rest in a private ceremony in Glendale, California.
The somber gathering on November 4 served as a farewell to the beloved family member and former Jackson 5 guitarist, who died at age 70 on September 15.
Tito Jackson performs at DreamFest International Music Festival 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan on July 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Michael Jackson’s children, Paris, 26, and Bigi, 22, attended the funeral to honor the late artist, joined by their aunt La Toya, 68, and uncle Marlon, 67.
Tito’s sons Jaafar, 28, and Jermajesty, 24, were reportedly present, along with family friend and fashion designer Kimora Lee Simmons, 49.
News of the nearly two-month gap between Tito’s death and burial sparked online reactions, with one asking, “Why did it take so long to bury him???”
A second expressed disbelief, “Wow! I had not heard anything about his passing. Thoughts are with his family.”
Tito Jackson attends the “Stratton” UK premiere in London, England, on August 29, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Many netizens were unaware that Tito had just been laid to rest, with some wondering why it was delayed, while others assumed the burial had already taken place.
A netizen’s reaction to Tito Jackson’s funeral, posted on November 5, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/TMZ
As netizens focused on the surprising timing of Tito’s funeral, others noted Bigi’s appearance at the service, referring to him by his nickname, “Blanket.”
Another reflected on how Tito’s death impacted his mom, Katherine, “For Mama Jackson to loss 2 sons is a lot because as women these are people that came out her body that’s a lot [sic].”
Tito and Michael Jackson, along with their mother, Katherine, at the Santa Barbara County courthouse in Santa Maria, California, on April 7, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
“The family is very sad, Tito was the closest to everyone 💔😢,” someone else shared.
A fan commented, “Finally with your brother Tito you and Michael rest together.”
Tito and Michael Jackson leave Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria, California, on April 7, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
When the public first learned of Tito’s sudden death, reports initially stated that The Jackson 5 icon had died while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
Tito Jackson spotted out in London, England on June 16, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
At that time, his cause of death was not specified, but longtime family friend and former Jacksons manager Steve Manning shared that he believed Tito had suffered a heart attack.
However, news sources have provided additional information about the events leading up to Tito’s death.
According to People magazine, Tito shared a final picture on social media days before his passing. He was at a shopping center in New Mexico when events took a tragic turn.
Tito Jackson spotted on his way to the GQ Awards in London, England on September 5, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
A press release from the Gallup Police Department stated that at around 6:15 p.m. on September 15, an officer responded to a report of a person needing medical attention near the American Heritage Plaza and promptly called for an ambulance.
Tito was transported to a local medical facility, where his identity was initially unknown.
He was later pronounced dead and identified by his full name, Toriano “Tito” Jackson.
Tito Jackson visiting SiriusXM Studios in New York City on September 10, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
While the police report did not specify Tito’s cause of death, preliminary investigations are ongoing.
This meant that investigators were still analyzing electronic and physical evidence and witnesses were still being interviewed.
Tito Jackson visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City on September 11, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Tito’s sudden passing left his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ, in mourning, and they shared a heartfelt tribute to their late father on Instagram, which honored their dearly missed father’s everlasting impact and legacy.
Tito Jackson performing at the Boogietown Festival in Surrey, England on September 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
They wrote, “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.”
Tito Jackson performing on stage with his sons, posted on September 15, 2024 | Source: Instagram/3tworld
The post was accompanied by a series of photos featuring Tito posing with The Jackson 5, as well as with his sons.
Additional images captured moments from various stages of his life, including time spent as a father playing with his children, performing on stage with his guitar, and enjoying moments of relaxation with friends.
Tito Jackson playing with his kids, posted on September 15, 2024 | Source: Instagram/3tworld
His sons’ heartfelt tribute also emphasized how it would always be “Tito Time” for them and encouraged others to follow their late father’s message of love and kindness.
Additionally, they expressed deep affection for Tito and the lasting impact of his words.
Tito’s sons, who are part of the band 3T, will carry on their father’s musical legacy through their own work and honor his influence on their lives and careers.
Aside from being a doting dad, Tito was a fierce advocate for his brother Michael Jackson’s legacy.
Before he died, Tito spoke about how every time he stepped on stage, he felt Michael’s presence and often saw his smile reflected in children’s faces.
Even more than a decade after Michael’s passing, Tito continued to feel his loss deeply.
In August 2024, he said, “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. His death was such a major tragedy.”
Tito, who adored Michael, added, “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.”
When it came to celebrating his brother, Tito often encouraged fans to come together and enjoy music.
He firmly believed his late brother still reigned as the King of Pop with Michael’s timeless music ensuring his legacy and inspiring generations to come.
Like Michael, Tito, who was also an actor and producer, was dedicated to his craft.
He had no intention of leaving the stage while he was still alive, noting, “I plan to be like BB King – play music until I die. Like Frank Sinatra or Sammy Davis Jr or Dean Martin. It’s fun, it’s peace of mind, it’s pleasure. I think, for an artist, music extends their lives.”
Tito emphasized love and positivity in his music, distancing it from themes like profanity or disrespect.
He believed music should uplift and inspire, consistently supporting his family’s projects and embodying these values in his work.
The inspirational musician was last photographed on September 9, in Munich, Germany, just six days before his passing.
His sighting was ahead of a scheduled performance by the current line-up of The Jacksons, which also includes his brothers, Jackie and Marlon.
Taryll, Tito, Jackie, and Marlon Jackson posing for a picture in front of the Michael Jackson memorial in Munich, Germany on September 9, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Capturing the essence of family and brotherhood, the trio took a trip down memory lane as they visited Michael’s grand monument, which was adorned with pictures of the late “Thriller” hitmaker, flowers, heart trinkets, and candles.
In Tito’s post, he, Marlon, and Jackie gazed at the memorabilia with what looked to be expressions of love and pride as they reminisced over the memories.
“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,” captioned Tito alongside the picture.
The late Indiana native, who was born on October 15, 1953, forged an incredible career during his lifetime. According to Tito’s biography on The Jacksons website, as the third eldest of the Jackson siblings, he was often credited for the start of the extremely popular band he performed in with his brothers.
The Jackson 5 posing for a picture at home in Los Angeles, California in 1972 | Source: Getty Images
While he was well-known for being the guitarist of The Jackson 5, he also used his low voice to compliment his brothers’ falsetto notes.
The Jackson 5 performing on a TV show circa 1969 | Source: Getty Images
Before the band was formed, Tito’s musical talents were first recognized by his late father, Joseph “Joe” Jackson, when he was just eight years old.
One day, Joseph, from whom Tito said he inherited his talents, discovered a broken string on his guitar, which eventually led him to figure out that his then-eight-year-old son had been playing it every day.
After asking Tito to play the guitar for him, Joseph, who used to be the lead in his blues band “The Falcons,” found himself impressed by his son’s talents.
The late Jackson patriarch was also impressed by the vocal abilities of his other sons, Jermaine and Jackie, and as a result, began envisioning a musical group career for them.
The Jackson 5 posing for a picture in 1969 | Source: Getty Images
By the time 1967 rolled around, Tito and his siblings became known as The Jackson 5. Outside of the beloved music group, Tito also worked on his own projects.
The Jackson 5 posing for a portrait in the early 1970s | Source: Getty Images
During his career, Tito worked with his iconic sisters Janet, La Toya, and Rebbie, as well as fellow entertainment industry heavy hitters like Babyface, LA Reid, and Howard Hewett.
The late musician had also served as an executive producer in season one of A&E Network’s reality show “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty,” in 2010.
In 2016, Tito’s first solo “Get It Baby,” made its way onto the Billboard charts, which made him the ninth and final Jackson sibling to have a solo single on the charts.
His victory was followed by the release of more singles and his debut album “Tito Time.”
In 2021, Tito released his second album “Under Your Spell” — a body of work that featured an array of talented artists.
Tito Jackson’s passing is a profound loss for the whole family, who remain united in grief and continue to support one another during this difficult time.
