Joe Jackson’s family has released statements mourning his loss after his death at 89.
When Joe Jackson, 89, passed away on June 27, his family quickly shared their feelings about their beloved father, grandfather, and husband with their fans. Their passionate and sorrowful tributes to Joe were so beautiful! Prince Jackson, Michael Jackson ‘s eldest son, posted a lovely picture of Joe with some of his grandchildren on Instagram. He wrote,”This man is and always will be an example of sheer willpower and dedication. He didn’t choose the path that was the easiest but he choose the path that was best for his family. You taught me to take pride in the Jackson name and what it really means, you taught me dedication in the face of adversity and most of all you showed me strength and fearlessness. There is and never will be someone like you. Fly free and until we meet again The Hawk.”
One of his other grandsons, TJ Jackson, posted a sweet tribute on Instagram, along with a pic of Joe: “You did the unthinkable. You gave your all (and the prime years of your life) to make sure your kids and your family were a success. Some people will never understand the commitment and love it takes to do what you did. My life could have been so much different if it weren’t for you. I could have been in a gang. I could have a father who was in and out of jail. But I don’t. Why? Because you were plugged into your kids lives and saw a dream that they (or even the world) didn’t know could exist. It took all of your strength to keep your entire family safe from the real dangers in life. You are misjudged but I know who the real you is. And as your grandson I am forever grateful for the strength I have from you. I will always remember what I’ve learned from you. I will always cherish you. Always. I love you grandpa.”
Grandson Taj Jackson was forced to post something different about his grandfather’s death. He criticized those whose immediate reactions were to bring up the physical abuse allegations against them. “Disgusted by some of the comments I’m reading about my grandpa Joe by those who didn’t even know him,” Taj, who is Tito Jackson ‘s son, tweeted. “Please don’t just regurgitate what you were spoon fed by the press. Joe was loved by our ENTIRE family and our hearts are in pain. Let us grieve without the nastiness. # ripthehawk”
And Joe’s daughter, La Toya Jackson, posted a clip from Life with La Toya that showed her with her father. “I will always love you! You gave us strength, you made us one of the most families in the world,” she tweeted. “I am extremely appreciative of that, I will never forget our moments together and how you told me how much you cared. #RIP Joe”.
The week before Joe’s death, Janet Jackson paid tribute to her ailing father in a touching speech at the Radio Disney Music Awards. “My mother nourished me with the most extravagant love imaginable,” she said as she accepted the Impact Award. “My father, my incredible father drove me to be the best I can. My siblings set an incredibly high standard, a high bar for artistic excellence.”
