The singer and father of the group the 3Ts has died at the age of 70, former Jackson family manager Steve Manning has revealed

The Jackson clan is going through a period of deep sadness. Tito Jackson, an iconic member of the Jackson Five and Michael Jackson’s older brother, has died at the age of 70, Steve Manning, the former manager of the famous pop family, told US website Entertainment Tonight.

In a statement posted on Instagram, his sons TJ, Taj and Taryll, members of the group 3T, expressed their grief: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Tito Jackson. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an exceptional person who cared deeply for the welfare of others.’

Tito Jackson was the third of nine Jackson children. Along with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, he left his mark on the 1970s with memorable hits such as ‘ABC’, ‘I Want You Back’ and ‘I’ll Be There’.