Joe Jackson Passes Away at Age 89

Joe Jackson. Photo by David Buchan/REX/Shutterstock (9446230gu)

The original Jackson has left the group.

Joe Jackson passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning following a battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

The 89-year-old — who was the father of Michael and Janet Jackson — was responsible for forming The Jackson 5 which became one of the leading Motown group of the 1960s.

Renowned for being an incredibly strict parent, fellow icons in the industry paid tribute to his life and ability to transport his several children from the ghettos of Gary, Indiana to stardom.

The late manager is survived by his wife of 69 years, Katherine, and 9 children.