Janet Jackson, 58, issues heartfelt tribute to brother Tito Jackson, 71, as she breaks silence one month after singer’s death
Janet Jackson has finally broken her silence on the death of her brother Tito Jackson, one month after his passing.
The 58-year-old singer took to social media on Tuesday to share a heartfelt tribute on what would have been Tito’s 71st birthday.
Posting a black and white childhood photo of the siblings on Instagram, Janet wrote: “May you rest in eternal peace. I miss you so much!”
Tito, a founding member of the Jackson 5, died on September 15 from a suspected heart attack whilst on a road trip from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
His sudden passing sent shockwaves through the music world and left his family devastated.
Janet had remained quiet about her brother’s death until now, cancelling her appearance at the DStv Delicious Festival in South Africa last month to be with her family.
Tito Jackson’s musical legacy spans decades. As a guitarist and vocalist for the Jackson 5, he contributed to numerous chart-topping hits in the 1970s, including “ABC” and “I Want You Back”.
The group was later inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Tito also pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album “Tito Time” in 2016. His single “Get It Baby” charted on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart.
Just weeks before his passing, Tito was still performing with his brothers Jackie and Marlon as The Jacksons.
They had recently honoured their late brother Michael during a show in Munich, Germany. Tito’s sons described him as an “incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being”.
Other members of the Jackson family have also shared tributes to Tito.
La Toya Jackson posted a video on Instagram, saying: “Happy Heavenly Birthday Tito! I will always love you!”
Jackie Jackson shared a photo, writing: “Your first heavenly birthday is a reminder that though you may have left this world, your memory will forever be etched in our hearts.”
Tito’s sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, expressed their grief in a joint statement, describing their father as an “incredible man”.
Taryll posted a heartfelt message, recalling cherished memories and conversations with his father.
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Tito is survived by his nine grandchildren and three sons from his marriage to Delores ‘Dee Dee’ Martes, which ended in 1988.
The Jackson family has faced several losses in recent years, including Michael Jackson in 2009 and their father, Joe Jackson, in 2018.
Meanwhile, Janet, who recently concluded her 94-date Together Again Tour, is set to kick off a 10-date Las Vegas residency at the Resorts World Theatre on December 30.
The residency, titled “Janet Jackson: Las Vegas”, will include a New Year’s Eve concert.
With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Janet remains a significant force in the music industry, boasting 5.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Her career began at age 10 on her family’s CBS variety show, before landing roles in popular American sitcoms. Janet’s success extends beyond music, with five Grammy Awards and an Oscar nomination to her name.