Las Vegas, June 28 (IANS) Joe Jackson, patriarch and manager of American musical dynasty that included the the Jackson 5, its star lead singer Michael Jackson and soloist sister Janet Jackson, has died following a battle with cancer. He was 89.
Joe passed away early on Wednesday at a hospice in Las Vegas. The hospice is connected to a hospital where Joe was admitted, and he was moved to the hospice a day and a half ago before his death, reported tmz.com.
The estate of Michael Jackson confirmed Joe’s death via a statement.
“We are deeply saddened by Mr. Jackson’s passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Katherine Jackson and the family,” co-executors of the estate John Branca and John McClain said in a statement.
“We had developed a warm relationship with Joe in recent years and will miss him tremendously.”
Joe died two days after the death anniversary of his son, King of Pop Michael Jackson.
Taj Jackson, Joe’s grandson, also confirmed his death in a tweet.
“Thank you Grandpa for the amazing strength, determination and pride you showed this family. The Jackson legacy would not exist without you. I lost a grandfather but heaven gained The Hawk.”
Joe is survived by Katherine, 88, and nine of his 11 children.
His five sons – Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael – became the Jackson 5, joined at times by younger brother Randy, who also pursued a solo career.
Joe’s three daughters – LaToya, Rebbie, and, most famously, Janet – all fashioned their own pop careers under Jackson’s management, with varying levels of recognition, read a BBC report.
La Toya tweeted: “I will always love you! You gave us strength, you made us one of the most famous families in the world. I am extremely appreciative of that, I will never forget our moments together and how you told me how much you cared. RIP Joe Jackson.”
According to media reports, some members of the family were unable to gain access to Joe in his final days.
“No one knew what was going on — we shouldn’t have to beg, plead, and argue to see our own father, especially at a time like this,” The Daily Mail quoted his son Jermaine Jackson as saying.
“We have been hurting. We were not being told where he was and couldn’t get the full picture.”