Joe Jackson: Michael Jackson’s Father Has Died At Aged 89

Joe Jackson, the father of Michael and Janet Jackson, has passed away. He was 89.

Last week, reports already showed that Joe was on his deathbed and later hospitalised with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. His family, including his wife Katherine, children, and grandchildren, were by his side.

Joe’s health had been rapidly declining over the past few years. During his 87th birthday in July 2015, he experienced 3 heart attacks. He was also hospitalised in May 2016 for high fever and again in June 2017 after a car accident in Las Vegas. Family members took a turn for the worse in the past 2 weeks.

The Jackson family patriarch was a notoriously harsh manager to his kids but successfully launched his sons in Jackson 5 – Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Michael, and Marlon – into stardom. Michael went on to earn the title as the “King of Pop”. Both Joe and Katherine have been living apart, following a tumultuous 69-year relationship where he fathered a love child, had numerous affairs, in addition to abusing his children.

Despite the controversy, Janet spoke warmly about her father when receiving the Radio Disney Music Awards first-ever Impact Award. “My mother nourished me with the most extravagant love imaginable. My father, my incredible father drove me to be the best I can,” she said. Michael’s daughter, Paris, also took to Instagram to post a touching tribute to her grandfather.

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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 Jun 27, 2018 at 4:51pm PDT

Joe Jackson, father and early manager of the Jackson family, has passed away #BillboardNews pic.twitter.com/HJomtKnZxn

— billboard (@billboard) June 27, 2018

Rest in peace, Joe Jackson.

Sources: Daily Mail, Rap-Up.