Joe Jackson, father of Michael Jackson, dies at 89

Joe Jackson, the father of music legends Michael and Janet Jackson, has died at age 89, his family said.

Jackson passed away early on Wednesday morning. He had been in hospital for terminal pancreatic cancer, according to media reports.

His death comes just two days after the anniversary of his son Michael Jackson's death nine years ago.

The family patriarch played a large role in the careers of The Jackson 5, as well as Michael and Janet Jackson.

His death was confirmed on social media by some of his family, including his daughter La Toya Jackson and grandsons Taj and Randy Jackson.

Five of Joe Jackson's sons - Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael - became the Jackson 5, joined at times by younger brother Randy, who also pursued a solo career.

Three daughters - LaToya, Rebbie, and, most famously, Janet - all fashioned their own pop careers under Jackson's management, with varying levels of recognition.

Jackson was the architect of his children's early successes, but some of them would later say he drove them with a zeal that bordered on abuse, with Michael and others alleging bullying, physical abuse and punishing work schedules.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS
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