Tito Jackson’s death shocked his children. Here’s a glimpse inside his final days and the heartbreaking words he uttered before taking his last breath.
Tito Jackson was an actor, producer, and musician, most famously recognized as a founding member of The Jackson 5. His recent passing occurred just after his final public appearance.
Only six days before he died, Tito was pictured ahead of a performance by The Jacksons, which included his brothers Jackie and Marlon Jackson on September 9, 2024, in Munich, Germany.
Tito Jackson photographed at a press conference on September 9, 2024, in Munich, Germany. | Source: Getty Images
Before his passing, he planned to keep singing until the very end. The musician was even set to release a new version of his single “Love One Another” in early 2025, featuring his sons’ band, 3T.
Meanwhile, another photo captured Tito with Jackie and Marlon Jackson, alongside his son Taryll Jackson, standing at a press conference in front of the Michael Jackson memorial at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof.
Taryll, Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson photographed at a press conference in front of the Michael Jackson memorial on September 9, 2024, in Munich, Germany. | Source: Getty Images
After their visit, Tito took to Instagram to share what the memorial means to the Jackson family. “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,” he wrote.
In an August 2024 interview, Tito reflected on how the world was unkind to his younger brother, Michael, calling his death a major tragedy and a loss of much more than just a talented artist.
He shared that the family feels Michael’s presence on stage, especially around the anniversary of his passing, often coming together to remember him and sometimes performing in his honor. Tito also maintained a close relationship with Michael’s children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket Jackson, visiting them whenever he was in Los Angeles.
The Hollywood star was an Oklahoma resident. Friends revealed that Tito moved to a small town of about 20,000 people to escape the fast-paced city life.
According to his pal and business partner, Howard Pollack, he quickly embraced country living and had plans to bring a music festival and other entertainment events to the community. Tito wanted bring new energy and to share his passion for music with his neighbors.
Tragically, Tito didn’t live long enough to fulfill his goal. Entertainment Tonight announced on X that he passed away on September 15, 2024, at the age of 70.
Tito’s adult sons, Taryll, TJ, and Taj Jackson, also announced the news on Instagram. They penned, “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken.”
Longtime family friend and former Jackson family manager, Steve Manning, suspected that Tito suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
On September 15, 2024, at 6:17 p.m., Gallup Police in New Mexico were alerted by a passerby at the American Heritage Plaza shopping center about someone in need of medical attention. Officers identified the individual as Tito, who was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital in Gallup.
Tito’s business associate and best friend, Terry Harvey Maltbia, recounted his final moments in an interview. Terry shared that he, Tito, and their friend Ronald Balfour had stopped in Gallup, New Mexico, for a meal before continuing their road trip back to Tito’s ranch in Oklahoma.
The trio had been on a journey from Oklahoma to California to retrieve Tito’s vintage cars. After enjoying dinner near the American Heritage Plaza shopping center, Terry recalled that they were “laughing and talking,” adding, “We were putting the top on the convertible because it started raining.”
Terry remembered how he flagged down nearby officers, and Tito was rushed to a local hospital. As they wheeled him into the emergency room, he asked his friends to find his insurance card in his bag. Unfortunately, his condition rapidly worsened.
“I figured everything was going to be OK since we got him to the hospital and he was still talking,” Terry recalled in shock. “A woman came back out and said, ‘He’s not doing good.’ I said to her, ‘What do you mean? He’s not doing good because he can’t get up? What do you mean? I was just talking to him!'”
Terry sighed as he described the scene. “They took me back there and I looked at him. He had about seven doctors working on him and it got really bad. I called his brother, Marlon, and that’s when he died,” he divulged.
As for Tito’s final words, Terry revealed he said he “couldn’t breathe” and “wasn’t feeling good” just before being rushed to the hospital, where he later passed away from a heart attack.
Terry recalled, “‘My chest is hurting. Can you help Ronnie to finish the [car] top?'” Terry added. “He said, ‘I ain’t feeling good in my chest.’ He wiped his face off, took off his shirt, and it was like someone had threw a bucket of water on him.”
Online users reacted to Tito’s last heartbreaking words. “Very sad, a coronary calcium scan would have saved his life. Check your arteries people, especially over 60’s,” commented one person.
“So sorry to hear this. May he RIP and dancing, and laughing with Michael now,” penned another. Someone else said, “It’s really heartbreaking. I’m so sorry to hear that.”
Tito’s sudden passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans. His final moments were filled with love, laughter, and the passion for music that defined his life.
Though he is no longer with us, his legacy as a beloved musician and devoted family man will continue to live on through the memories he left behind and the music he shared with the world.