Michael Jackson’s kids Paris and Prince react to uncle Tito’s death at 70: ‘Love you forever’
Michael Jackson’s children, Paris and Prince, paid tribute to his brother, Tito, who died at age 70.
The siblings each took to Instagram on Monday to mourn their late uncle the day after he died of an apparent heart attack.
Paris, 26, shared a throwback photo of Tito and Michael on her IG Story, with the caption “rest in transition uncle tito ❤️.”
Prince, 27, posted a more recent picture of some of the Jackson family, including his uncle Tito, aunt La Toya Jackson and grandmother Katherine Jackson.
“Love you forever Poppa T❤️,” Prince wrote in his caption.
TJ Jackson, one of Tito’s three sons, commented on the post, “He always spoke so highly about you Prince and was so proud of the man you have become and your love for family.”
“Thank you for being such a great nephew to him,” TJ, 46, added.
In 2009, TJ became the legal guardian of Paris, Prince and their younger brother Bigi (formerly known as Blanket), 22, after Michael died at age 50. He held that role until they all became legal adults.
“When [Michael] passed, my brothers and I, we went to our grandmother and basically told her, however we can help, we want to be there,” TJ said on the Black Hollywood Live podcast in 2019.
“In time, as she’s gotten older, she’s kind of phased out of it and now I’m officially just the sole guardian. She relinquished it recently,” he added at the time.
Former Jackson family manager Steve Manning told Entertainment Tonight that Tito had a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday.
Cops told the Daily Mail that Tito suffered the heart attack in a New Mexico shopping center.
He was taken in an ambulance to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead hours later.
TJ and his brothers Taj, 51, and Taryll, 49, confirmed their dad’s death in a joint statement on their band 3T’s Instagram account.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” the siblings said.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,” the statement continued. “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,” the brothers added. “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.”
Days before his death, Tito and his brothers were in Munich, Germany, where they visited a memorial for Michael.
The King of Pop died by acute propofol intoxication in June 2009.
“We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy,” Tito wrote on Facebook. “Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
