September 18, 2024
The loss of a parent is a profound experience, leaving an irreplaceable void in the lives of those left behind. For Taj Jackson, the recent passing of his father, Tito Jackson, has brought forth a wave of grief and sadness that he’s courageously sharing with the world.
Taj Jackson, son of the late Tito Jackson, reflects on the loss of his father.
Tito, the legendary guitarist of The Jackson 5, passed away at the age of 70 from a heart attack. The news sent shockwaves through the music industry and beyond, leaving fans and loved ones grappling with the sudden loss.
For Taj, the pain is especially raw. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 51-year-old singer and songwriter admitted, “The truth is I am not okay, and I don’t know if I ever will be.” He spoke of the special bond he shared with his father, “My dad and I shared the same name, Tariano Adaryll Jackson, and people often called me his twin. He was the man I’ve looked up to my entire life – my father, my hero.”
Taj’s tribute went beyond Tito’s musical accolades, painting a picture of a humble and down-to-earth man. “What I admire most about my dad wasn’t his musical talent, it was his genuine humbleness and humility,” Taj shared. “For all the legendary things he accomplished with his brothers, you’d never know it just by talking to him.”
He fondly recalled Tito’s passions beyond the stage: “Besides performing on stage, my dad loved to coach baseball, fish, and work on vintage cars.” These simple joys highlighted the multi-faceted nature of Tito’s life, revealing a man who found pleasure in both the extraordinary and the ordinary.
Tito Jackson and son, Taj Jackson, at an event in 2018.
Taj’s grief is compounded by the fact that he has experienced profound loss before. His mother, Delores ‘Dee Dee’ Martes, and his uncle, Michael Jackson, both passed away tragically. “When my mom passed, I had to stay strong for my 2 younger brothers,” he wrote. “When my uncle Michael died, I remained strong for my 3 cousins. I don’t know how much emotional strength I have left.”
The weight of these past sorrows adds a poignant layer to Taj’s current experience. He’s navigating the complexities of grief while carrying the memories of his mother and uncle close to his heart.
Despite the pain, Taj finds solace in the outpouring of love and support from around the world. He acknowledges the shared sense of loss, writing, “Everyone loved Tito, and in a way, it brings me comfort to know the world also shares in this sorrow and pain. It’s a reminder of how great a loss we’ve all suffered.”
In the wake of Tito’s passing, Taj’s words offer a glimpse into the raw and unfiltered emotions that accompany grief. He reminds us that even those who have achieved fame and fortune are not immune to the pain of loss. His vulnerability resonates with anyone who has ever loved and lost, creating a space for empathy and understanding.
