Delores Martes Jackson: The Secret Life of Tito Jackson’s Former Spouse and Mother of 3T’s Musical Legacy

Delores Martes Jackson lived her life in secret, but her impact is deeply felt by one of the most iconic music families in history. Being the former wife of Tito Jackson, a co-founder of Jackson 5, and the devoted mother of musical group 3T, Delores’s life is one of unspoken strength, steadfast faith, and tragic loss. Though she kept a low profile in public, her story is crucial to understanding the human dimension of the world-renowned Jackson family.

Her untimely death devastated fans across the globe and forever changed the lives of her children. As the years passed, Delores’ legacy has come to be recognized more and more, especially by the achievements of her sons and their remembrance of her. This comprehensive biography provides an in-depth look at the woman behind the music—the mother, the love, and the woman whose life will continue to inspire. From her childhood and marriage to Tito Jackson to the tragic events that led to her death, Delores Martes Jackson’s life is one of strength, sacrifice, and love

Quick Bio

Who Was Delores Martes Jackson?

Delores Martes Jackson was an American woman who is most famous for being a part of the Jackson family, having married Tito Jackson and being a mother to Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, who collectively formed the R&B group 3T. A nonsinger and nonactress, Delores became a familiar name among the supporters of the Jackson family during the 1970s and 1980s, especially as the family grew in popularity and media coverage. She was described by people around her as caring, gentle, and extremely caring towards her children.

Her legacy can still be seen through the music, values, and resilience of her children. The Jackson legacy is full of global icons like Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, but behind the glamour and glitter of fame, a person like Delores played their part in shaping the generation to come. Although never heard about in the news, her humble but profound impact on the family makes her an important part of Jackson history.

Early Life

Delores Martes was born in 1955 in the United States. Very little has been publicly documented of her childhood, including her hometown or any special information about her parents. Unlike the Jacksons, whose lives were often an open book, Delores worked under the public eye for much of her childhood. She was characterized as down-to-earth and intense, qualities that would later find use in raising three children amidst the world of fame and stress.

Delores had met Tito Jackson at the age of adolescence. The Jackson 5 were already beginning to climb to the top of the charts and become recognized nationally at the time. Introduced to the show business early on, Delores nonetheless maintained a relatively low-key existence. She was placid and stubborn and remained so, and this stability and grounding had an effect on her family and brought her into life as a part of the highly recognized Jackson family.

Career Beginnings

Delores did not pursue the typical career path in the entertainment industry but rather spent her time being a homemaker and wife. While the Jackson family was always under the media spotlight, Delores found joy in being there for her family in the background. She helped to bring a bit of stability to her children throughout their childhood, especially as they also pursued fame by utilizing their musical group, 3T.

Though she was not on stage or in recording studios, Delores’s contribution to the Jackson family heritage cannot be ignored. Her love and guidance helped shape the moral and emotional framework of her sons. Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson have all been very forthcoming about their mother’s efforts to instill respect and humility in them despite the enormous fame that encumbered the Jackson name.

Who Was Delores Martes Jackson’s Husband?

Delores Martes married Toriano “Tito” Jackson in 1972. Tito was a founding member of the Jackson 5, the Motown group that burst onto the charts with such staples as “ABC” and “I Want You Back.” Tito and Delores dated as teenagers and got married when she was 17. They had three sons who became the R&B group 3T. Their union lasted more than two decades before they divorced in 1993.

Despite being apart, Tito and Delores co-parented their children and had a professional relationship. Delores’s children have always said that she was an austere and steadfast figure in their lives. She married into one of the most influential families in music, but she never concentrated on fame or fortune but always on her children and their psychological well-being.

Delores Martes Jackson’s Physical Appearance

Delores Martes Jackson was always described as poised and refined. She had a beautiful smile and full facial features that mirrored her gentle disposition. She was around 5 feet 6 inches tall, and she moved with a humble confidence that made her presence reassuring and comforting to individuals in her environment. Her fashion sense was refined yet modest, and it tended to be reflective of the simplicity that she cherished in her life.

Even though she was not a public person per se, Delores was admired for inner strength and natural beauty. Friends and family members have recalled how her outward appearance reflected her internal dignity—always humble, serene, and dignified. From celebrating with her family to supporting her children’s love of music, she was always sincere and warm

Net Worth

Delores Martes Jackson’s fortune was not widely documented, largely because she did not have a public career and was not an owner of own business ventures. She gained financially through marriage to Tito Jackson as a part of one of the most prominent musical families globally. She gained access to luxury and benefits that arose from the success of the Jackson family through being a part of it.

After her divorce, she led a simple life that was focused on her children. Although divorced from Tito, she remained actively connected to her children and likely reaped the financial rewards as they built their music careers. Her sons’ rise to fame as 3T added the financial element to the household, but Delores was more focused on mothering than making money out of stardom.

Tragic Death and Lasting Legacy

Delores Martes Jackson passed away on August 27, 1994, in extremely tragic conditions. Her death was initially thought to be an accidental drowning in the pool of her boyfriend Donald Bohana. Subsequent investigations, however, had Bohana charged and later convicted of second-degree murder in 2000. The court proved that Delores was murdered for not investing in Bohana’s company, one of the blackest days in the history of the Jackson family.

Her death was a tragic shock to her family. Her sons, specifically TJ Jackson, have talked about how her passing affected them personally and professionally. As a gesture of respect for their mother, 3T dedicated their debut album Brotherhood in her honor. The group’s interviews and songs are routinely filled with their continued respect and love for the woman who brought them up, and she continues to live on through their music.