Joseph Jackson, the head of the Jackson dynasty has passed away from terminal cancer at the age of 89.

Passing two days from the anniversary of the death of Michael (who passed away in 2009), Joe had been surrounded at his bedside by wife Katherine alongside some of his children and grandchildren.

As the patriarch of the iconic family, Jackson had been seen by most as the instigator of driving his children to worldwide fame in the 1960s, creating icons of both Michael and notsoonafter, Janet. He was also instrumental in the success of The Jackson 5 in the 1960s, spearheading them into the global pop elite. Though still married, Joe and Katherine did not live together in later-life following a strained (and often reported, hostile) relationship over the years.

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