Tito Jackson & Dee Dee Martes: Love, Tragedy & Legacy | Explore Now
Can a life be simultaneously defined by the dazzling heights of fame and the crushing depths of personal tragedy? The story of Delores "Dee Dee" Martes Jackson, and her relationship with Tito Jackson, offers a compelling and heartbreaking answer.
Their paths first crossed at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, where a young Toriano Adaryll "Tito" Jackson, destined for global stardom with the Jackson 5, found himself captivated by Delores Martes, affectionately known as Dee Dee. Their connection, nurtured in the halls of high school, blossomed into a lifelong bond, culminating in a marriage that would forever intertwine their destinies. The couple's story is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring legacy of family, set against the backdrop of the ever-glittering, yet often unforgiving, world of entertainment.
Full Name | Delores Vilma Jackson (ne Martes) |
Born | April 1, 1955, in Los Angeles, California |
Died | August 27, 1994, in Los Angeles, California (Drowning) |
Known As | Dee Dee Jackson |
Relationship | Married to Toriano Adaryll "Tito" Jackson from 1972-1988 |
Children | Tariano Adaryll Jackson (Taj Jackson), Taryll Adren Jackson, and Tito Joseph Jackson (TJ Jackson) |
Occupation | Socialite, Mother |
Associated With | The Jackson Family, 3T (Musical Group formed by her sons) |
Marriage | Married Tito Jackson in June 1972, divorced in 1988 |
Death circumstances | Found dead in a swimming pool at her boyfriend's home |
For reference, you can find more information about Delores Martes Jackson on reputable sources like Find a Grave.
Tito and Dee Dee's whirlwind romance began in their youth, their shared studies at Fairfax High School laying the foundation for a future they likely envisioned as one of perpetual happiness. In June 1972, soon after graduating high school, a young Tito, just 18 years old, took Dee Dee as his wife. This was the dawn of their journey together, a period marked by the optimism of young love and the promise of a shared future. The Jackson family, already on their meteoric rise to fame, embraced Dee Dee, welcoming her into their close-knit world. The couple, young and in love, were stepping into a world that offered incredible opportunities, alongside the inevitable challenges of fame and the constant scrutiny of the public eye.
Their union produced three sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, who would later form the musical group 3T, carrying on the legacy of their family. The birth of their sons added to the joy and vibrancy of their lives. Dee Dee, a devoted mother, poured her energy into raising her children, creating a loving and supportive environment amid the whirlwind of their fathers career and the family's demanding schedule.
However, the fairytale was not to last. In 1988, after sixteen years of marriage, Tito and Dee Dee divorced. The reasons for the separation remained largely private, but the dissolution marked a significant turning point in both their lives. The divorce brought an end to their shared journey, reshaping their individual paths. The end of the marriage was not the end of the story.
Tragically, six years after the divorce, on August 27, 1994, Delores Martes Jackson was found dead in a swimming pool at the home of her boyfriend, Donald Bohana, a Los Angeles businessman. The initial ruling was accidental, but the circumstances surrounding her death left many questions unanswered, leaving a lasting impact on her family and the wider Jackson circle. Dee Dees passing, at the young age of 39, sent shockwaves through the family and the music world. Her sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, were left to grapple with the profound loss of their mother, a loss that would forever shape their lives.
The news of Dee Dee's death resonated deeply within the Jackson family, amplifying the sorrow and the weight of their past. It was a moment etched in time, indelibly marked by grief and disbelief. Tj, Taj and Taryll Jackson, vividly remember the moment their mother died, a tragedy that underscored the fragility of life and the enduring power of family bonds.
The impact of Dee Dee's passing would be felt for years to come, not only for her children, but also for Tito. His life was forever touched by her death, and it cast a shadow on his own journey. Dee Dees death, a premature end to a life filled with both promise and joy, served as a constant reminder of the transient nature of life, and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Tito Jackson's life, like those of his brothers, was intrinsically linked with the success of the Jackson 5. Their rise to stardom in the early 1970s was meteoric, captivating audiences worldwide with their infectious energy and undeniable talent. Tito, as a founding member, played a crucial role, lending his guitar skills and vocals to the groups iconic sound. He remained active in the music industry for decades, performing with his brothers Jackie and Marlon as The Jacksons in the years leading up to his death. His dedication to his craft and his enduring presence in the music world stood testament to his resilience and his love for music.
Tito's recent passing on June 15, at the age of 70, serves as a somber reminder of the passage of time and the enduring power of legacy. His death came nearly thirty years after Dee Dee's passing, and it brought back into focus the complex tapestry of their shared history. The couples lives, marked by both joy and heartache, offered a poignant reflection on the highs and lows of life. The news of Titos death prompted reflection on the joys and tragedies that defined the couples life.
Dee Dee's story remains a testament to the human spirit. Her life, though cut short, left an indelible mark on those who knew her. The love she shared with Tito, the family they built, and the memories they created will continue to endure, reminding us of the profound connections that bind us together, even in the face of adversity. It is a story of love, loss, and the enduring power of family, a story that continues to resonate with those who knew and loved them.
The lives of Tito and Dee Dee, intertwined by fate and circumstance, were a study in contrasts. They experienced the bright lights of fame and the shadowy corners of tragedy. Their journey, from young lovers to parents and finally, to individuals grappling with loss, reveals the complexity of human experience. Their shared history will continue to be retold. The legacy of Dee Dee Jackson, the woman who stole the heart of a Jackson, will forever be preserved.
The story of Tito and Dee Dee serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. It's a tale that echoes with the melodies of their love and the shadows of their loss, forever intertwined in the annals of history.


