On Sunday, September 15th, we lost one of the biggest music icons and the world is still in shock. Tito Jackson, the founding member of Jackson 5 passed away due to a heart attack in New Mexico. The 70-year-old musician was the elder brother of one of the biggest pop stars the world has ever seen, Michael Jackson, and father to his three children.

In his long musical career, as a founding member of Jackson 5 and a bandmate and elder brother to the ‘King of Pop’, Tito Jackson (full name – Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson) gave fans across the globe reason to celebrate with his timeless contributions to music. A few days after his untimely demise, Muhammad Ali’s eldest daughter Maryum Ali posted a heartfelt message honoring the life of the singer and showcased why the singer was adored and loved all over the world.

Muhammad Ali’s daughter’s heartfelt tribute

Maryum Ali took to Instagram to show her love and affection for the late musician as she mourned the death of the legend. In a heartfelt message, the 56-year-old noted, “Rest in peace, Tito and prayers for the Jackson family. I was able to see Tito and his brothers perform a few years ago in their hometown, Gary, IN. They were still amazing! Tito did what he loved his entire life, but he will be missed.”

Ali, a public speaker and author, also expressed gratitude for witnessing the Jackson 5 perform live, recalling the magic of the concert in Gary, Indiana. She praised the band’s enduring impact, emphasizing how much Tito’s presence will be missed.

The comment section beneath her post was filled with memories from fans who had experienced the Jackson 5’s performances firsthand, with an outpouring of love and admiration for the legendary group. And guess what? There wasn’t a single negative comment.

The video Ali shared further captured the band’s journey over the years, showcasing their global influence and the fervor they brought to every stage. It was a life well-lived, and the void Tito’s passing leaves in the music world is immeasurable.

Went doing what he loved

The death of Tito Jackson hits home when you realize that it happened just a few weeks before his 71st birthday. His sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson were heartbroken by their dad’s passing particularly given that the ‘I Want You Back’ singer still had ambitious plans for the band. Despite ongoing family disputes, Tito was beloved by all his siblings and maintained strong relationships with each of them. He was known for his kind nature and his refusal to hold grudges, making his loss all the more profound.

The Jackson 5, formed by the five Jackson brothers—Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael—hailed from Gary, Indiana, and rose to stardom in the late 1960s under the Motown label. They became one of the first Black American groups to break into mainstream pop, shattering racial barriers and captivating audiences worldwide. After leaving Motown in the mid-1970s, the brothers continued to perform as The Jacksons, evolving their sound and cementing their legacy in music history. Their success also paved the way for Michael Jackson’s unparalleled solo career, though the other members, despite their talent, never reached the same level of fame.

Tito Jackson’s recent passing resonates deeply with fans, particularly because he died doing what he loved—performing. Just five days before his untimely death, Tito played in front of a live audience in Munich on September 10th, bringing joy to his fans as he always had. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s enduring passion for music was evident until his final days.

As the world mourns alongside the Jackson family during this difficult time, fans are invited to share their memories and condolences, celebrating the life and legacy of Tito Jackson and the Jackson 5.