Joseph Jackson has died at the age of 89. He was Michael Jackson’s father.
Michael Jackson’s father had been in hospital with cancer, according to celebrity gossip site TMZ.
The report, citing a family source, said he had died at 3.30am in Los Angeles (11.30am UK time)
Members of his family, including his grandson, have since confirmed his death.
In a statement, Michael Jackson’s estate said:
“We are deeply saddened by Mr Jackson’s passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to Mrs Katherine Jackson and the family.
“Joe was a strong man who acknowledged his own imperfections and heroically delivered his sons and daughters from the steel mills of Gary, Indiana to worldwide pop superstardom.”
Jackson had suffered poor health in recent years, having a stroke and three heart attacks in 2015 and spending time in hospital the year after.
He was separated from his wife Katherine but it is understood she had frequently been at his bedside during his most recent hospital stay.