Joe Jackson, Musical Family Patriarch, Passed Away at Age 89

By
Lisa Green
-
Joe Jackson. Photo by David Buchan/REX/Shutterstock (9446230gu)

Joe Jackson, father of Michael and Janet Jackson, along with the iconic group The Jackson 5, has passed away.

The 89-year-old patriarch of the Jackson family died on Wednesday while in hospital care in Las Vegas and according to ET, Joe’s health has worsened and his family was gathering to say their goodbyes. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer and has been fighting the illness for a while now but recently, doctors informed the family that he has a short time to live because the cancer cannot be treated.

The co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate released a statement confirming Joe’s death. “We are deeply saddened by Mr. Jackson’s passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Katherine Jackson and the family,” John Branca and John McClain said. “Joe was a strong man who acknowledged his own imperfections and heroically delivered his sons and daughters from the steel mills of Gary, Indiana, to worldwide pop superstardom.”

On Sunday, a tweet was posted from Mr. Jackson’s official Twitter account showing a photo of him standing against a sunset as if awaiting his final departure.

“I have seen more sunsets than I have left to see. The sun rises when the time comes and whether you like it or not the sun sets when the time comes.”

One of his daughters, La Toya Jackson posted a heartwarming message to his father on Wednesday.

“I will always love you! You gave us strength, you made us one of the most famous families in the world,” she wrote on her official Twitter account. “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.”

His grandchildren also paid tribute on social media including 20-year-old Paris Jackson who shared a lengthy and loving letter on her Instagram page.

He is survived by wife Katherine, nine of his 11 children and grandchildren including Michael’s kids, Paris, Prince and Blanket.

View this post on Instagram

RIP The HAWK. Joseph Jackson. spending those last few moments with you were everything. being able to tell you everything i needed to tell you before saying goodbye was such a blessing. everyone that came to visit you, came with love, respect, and so much pride in their hearts for you. proud of you, proud to be your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, proud to have your strength and share the dynasty you spent your life creating, and proud to be a jackson. you are the first true jackson. the legend that started it all. none of us would be anywhere near where we’re at if it weren’t for you. you are the strongest man i know. your life’s work will go down in history, as will you, to be known as one of the greatest patriarchs to ever live. i will cherish every moment with you til the day i die, especially our last moments. being able to hold your hand, lay with you and cuddle you, give you kisses all over your cheeks and forehead, meant more to me than you’ll ever know. quoting advice you gave me when i was a little kid and seeing your eyes light up, sharing stories my dad used to tell me about you, telling a joke and hearing you laugh for the last time.. my heart is full knowing we left each other in that way. i made you promise me you’ll come visit me. you agreed and i’m going to hold you to it. and i promised you that we will keep telling your story, over and over. to never be forgotten. my great grandchildren will know who joseph jackson is. i love you grandpa. so so so much that words can’t describe. i have immense gratitude for you, and always will. we all feel that way. thank you for everything. truly. rest in peace and transition. i’ll see you in my dreams very very soon.

A post shared by 𝚙𝚔 (@parisjackson) on