Tito, together with his brothers in The Jackson 5, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, with the honor presented by fellow Motown legend Diana Ross.

US guitarist and singer Tito Jackson, an original member of the iconic Jackson 5 group and the older brother of pop stars Michael and Janet Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70, his sons announced late Sunday.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, no longer being with us," his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ—who together form the music group 3T—posted on Instagram, alongside a photo of them with their father.

"We are in shock, deeply saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an extraordinary man who genuinely cared about everyone and their well-being," they expressed.

"Please remember to follow our father's guiding principle, which was 'Love One Another.' We love you, Pops. From your boys, Taj, Taryll, and TJ."

Family friend Steve Manning informed Entertainment Tonight that Tito Jackson passed away from an apparent heart attack on Sunday while driving from New Mexico to his home in Oklahoma.

Tito had recently been performing in Germany, England, and California with his brothers Marlon and Jackie as part of The Jacksons.

As a founding member of The Jackson 5, Tito, along with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, gained fame after signing with Motown Records in 1969. The group enjoyed a series of international hits in the late 1960s and early 70s, including "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There."

Younger brother Michael, who later achieved solo superstardom, passed away in 2009 at the age of 50.

Tito, together with his brothers in The Jackson 5, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, with the honor presented by fellow Motown legend Diana Ross.

According to his website, Tito had been actively performing and touring with his own blues and funk band since 2003.

In 2016, he became the last of the Jackson siblings to achieve a solo Billboard hit with the single "Get It Baby," followed by his debut solo album "Tito Time."

His second album—and first blues effort—"Under Your Spell," released in 2021, featured contributions from notable guests including George Benson, Bobby Rush, and Stevie Wonder.

Tito Jackson is survived by his three sons. His former wife and their mother, Dolores, passed away in 1994.