Tito Jackson has paid tribute to his "brother" David Gest following the star’s shock death on Tuesday (12.04.16).
The Jackson 5 star has been left heartbroken by the passing of 62-year-old David – who was found lifeless in his room at the Four Seasons hotel in Canary Warf, London – and admits he was more than just a friend to him and his family, including the late King of Pop Michael Jackson.
During an appearance on TV show ‘Good Morning Britain’, Tito said: "David was more like a brother to the family. He was always fun, always joyful. He shared some good times with us."
Discussing David’s life-long friendship with Michael, he added: "They were very close friends, they spent a lot of time together as well. They had a very abundant relationship. He carried himself as a celebrity back in the day."
As well as Tito and Michael, David was close to their brothers and bandmates Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson and Randy Jackson, sister Rebbie Jackson and mother Katherine Jackson.
David was responsible for reuniting Michael with The Jackson 5 for the final time in 2001 for the TV special ‘Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special’.
As a tribute to the ‘Thriller’ singer, David also made the documentary ‘Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon’ – released in October 2011 –
which focused on Michael’s life from his beginnings as a child star through to his tragic death in June 2009.
David spent 16 months working on the documentary – which included interviews from the likes of Motown legend Smokey Robinson and the now deceased Whitney Houston – and had described it as both a cathartic and joyous process to honour his pal Michael.
The concert promoter – who was the ex-husband of Liza May Minnelli -previously told BANG Showbiz: "I personally financed the film and worked on every aspect of it. It was truly a labour of love to be able to pay tribute to my wonderful ‘other brother’. I have so many friends who helped make the film a reality."
David Gest was like a ‘brother’ to Jackson family
