When Tito Jackson passed away in late 2024, it felt like a quiet, heavy anchor had finally been lifted from the Jackson family ship. He was always the "quiet one," the guy with the guitar who didn't crave the frantic neon spotlight that chased Michael or Janet. But as fans started looking back at his life, one question kept popping up: was Tito Jackson married at the time of his death?
Honestly, the answer is a lot more layered than just a "yes" or "no." Most people immediately think of his high school sweetheart, Dee Dee, whose life ended in a tragedy so bizarre it still feels like a movie script. But there’s a secret chapter to Tito’s life—a second marriage that didn't even go public until after he was gone.
The High School Romance: Delores "Dee Dee" Martes
Tito didn't wait long to start a life. He met Delores Martes—everyone called her Dee Dee—at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. Imagine being 18 years old, a member of the biggest boy band on the planet, and deciding you’ve already found "the one."
They married in June 1972. While his brothers were navigating the chaos of global fame, Tito was focused on building a sanctuary. Together, they had three sons: Taj, Taryll, and TJ. These boys would eventually form the group 3T, mentored by their Uncle Michael.
The marriage lasted a long time, especially by Hollywood standards. They were together for 16 years before divorcing in 1988. Tito later admitted that "differences" eventually pulled them apart, but they remained deeply connected because of their kids.
Then came 1994.
The story of Dee Dee’s death is chilling. She was found at the bottom of a swimming pool at her boyfriend’s house. The boyfriend, Donald Bohana, claimed it was an accident. Tito and his sons knew better. Why? Because Dee Dee was terrified of water. She couldn't swim. Tito fought for years to get the case reopened, and eventually, Bohana was convicted of second-degree murder. It’s a testament to the fact that even after the marriage ended, the bond didn't.
The Secret Marriage Nobody Knew About
For decades, the public narrative was that Tito remained a bachelor, a devoted father and grandfather who just played the blues and fixed old cars. But after his death in September 2024, some surprising details emerged from the family archives.
It turns out Tito had been married to a Japanese woman named Mizuki Matsui since 2020.
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They kept it almost entirely under wraps. They even had a daughter together, Tariana Katherine Jackson, born in March 2020. While the world was in lockdown, Tito was starting a whole new family chapter at 66 years old. It’s kind of wild to think about—a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer living a completely separate, private life while still touring with his brothers.
Why the Mystery Matters
We live in an era where celebrities post their breakfast on Instagram. Tito Jackson did the opposite. He protected his peace. When people ask "was Tito Jackson married," they are often looking for the drama of the Jackson family dynasty. But Tito's personal life suggests he found a way to be a "Jackson" without letting the brand swallow his humanity.
His first marriage gave the world a musical legacy through 3T. His second marriage, though private, showed a man who wasn't finished with love or fatherhood, even in his twilight years.
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What You Should Take Away
If you're looking for the "status" of Tito Jackson's love life, here is the breakdown:
- 1972–1988: Married to Delores "Dee Dee" Martes (mother of his three famous sons).
- 1989–2019: Mostly private; focused on his solo career and the Dee Dee Jackson Foundation.
- 2020–2024: Married to Mizuki Matsui (with whom he had one daughter).
Tito managed to do something his more famous siblings rarely could: he kept the public out of his bedroom. He proved that you can be a global icon and still have a "secret" life that belongs only to you.
If you’re interested in how the Jackson family continues to manage their massive legacy, you might want to look into the work his sons are doing with the Dee Dee Jackson Foundation. It’s a grief-support organization that turned a family tragedy into a way to help others heal through music. It’s probably the best way to understand the man behind the guitar—a guy who valued family above the charts.
Check out the foundation's official site or listen to the "Power of Love" podcast hosted by his sons if you want to see the real impact of Tito's first marriage on the next generation.