“SALUTE ICON” — DJ Premier and Questlove Honor Tito Jackson of the Jackson 5 Following His Passing

The renowned Jackson 5 singer Tito Jackson passed away on September 15, 2024, at the age of 70. Following his passing, numerous celebrities have honored the late singer, notably American drummer Questlove and record producer DJ Premier.

On Monday, September 16, DJ Premier shared a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram account, featuring a photo of Tito Jackson and writing:

“RIP TITO JACKSON. My musical childhood is based on one of the ILLest groups: THE JACKSON 5. To know all of their names back in 1970 when I was 4 years old, and their roles in the group has continued to carry the same effect… SALUTE ICON.”

Premier also expressed his gratitude for the influence Tito had on his career, emphasizing how Tito contributed to his professionalism in the music industry. Additionally, he shared an Instagram story featuring a photo of Tito alongside his mother, Katherine Jackson, with the 1976 hit “Show You the Way to Go”playing in the background.

On the same day, Questlove posted a tribute on his Instagram, showcasing a photo of Tito Jackson with his legendary brother Michael Jackson. His heartfelt caption read:

“All of the Jackson brothers are heroes to me. I really don’t have the words right now. May the entire Jackson family find comfort & peace in this moment. Thank You Tito. rest in melody.”

The news of Tito’s death was confirmed through a post on his official Instagram account by his sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ.

While the official cause of death has yet to be disclosed, Entertainment Tonight reports that former Jackson family manager Steve Manning believes Tito may have suffered a heart attack while traveling from New Mexico to Oklahoma.

Tito Jackson was performing with his brothers Marlon and Jackie Jackson as The Jacksons before his passing

Before his untimely death, Tito and his bandmates had a series of shows scheduled in Scotland, England, and California for summer 2024. Originally, the group started as The Jackson 5, featuring Tito, Michael, Marlon, Jermaine, and Jackie.

According to PEOPLE, their latest performance occurred on September 8 in Surrey, England, with upcoming shows planned for October 25 in Atlantic City and November 1 in Cincinnati.

The Jacksons in Munich (Photo by Lennart Preiss/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Earlier this week, the trio visited a memorial in Munich dedicated to their beloved brother, the legendary Michael Jackson. Tito Jackson shared this moment on social media, posting:

“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson.”

Tito has spoken fondly of his late brother on numerous occasions. In December 2009, he expressed to The Associated Press that Michael’s passing brought the family closer, mentioning how hard it was to cope with the absence of one of their own.

Tito Jackson is survived by his mother, Katherine Jackson; his sisters Janet, Rebbie, and La Toya; his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, and Jackie; as well as his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ.

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