Tito Jackson, founding guitarist of '70s hitmakers The Jackson 5 that featured a young Michael Jackson, died September 15 after a heart attack. He was 70.

Tito Jackson, Michael's brother and one of the brothers who made up the beloved pop group the Jackson 5, has died at age 70, his sons say.

Jackie, Marlon, Randy, and Jermaine Jackson have broken their silence following the death of their beloved brother, Tito Jackson. The Jacksons took to social media on Tuesday (Sept. 17) to pay tribute to Tito, who passed away earlier this week at age 70.

Tito was the third of nine Jackson children, which includes global superstars Michael and sister Janet, part of a music-making family.

In their statement, they warmly recalled Tito's legacy, "It will forever be 'Tito Time' for us," before encouraging the rest of the world to follow his philosophy about love and kindness. The sons also reflected on how much their father meant to them and asked the fans to remember him by living with love and compassion.