The Tragic & Secret Lives Of Tito Jackson's Wives: Dee Dee Martes And Mizuki Matsui
The life of Tito Jackson, a founding member of the iconic Jackson 5, was marked by incredible musical success but also by profound personal tragedy and a surprisingly private second chapter. As of December 2025, the full story of the women who shared his life has become a major point of interest, especially following the musician's passing in 2024. His romantic history is defined by two very different marriages: one ending in a high-profile, devastating murder, and another that remained largely private until his death.
The name Delores "Dee Dee" Martes is forever linked to the Jackson family saga due to the shocking circumstances of her death, while Mizuki Matsui represents the quiet, final years of the legendary guitarist's life. Understanding Tito Jackson's legacy requires looking closely at the two women he married, who were the mothers of his four children and the cornerstones of his personal world.
The Complete Biography of Toriano "Tito" Adaryll Jackson Sr.
- Full Name: Toriano Adaryll Jackson Sr.
- Born: October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana.
- Died: September 15, 2024, at the age of 70.
- Parents: Joseph Walter "Joe" Jackson and Katherine Esther Jackson.
- Siblings: Maureen Reillette "Rebbie," Sigmund Esco "Jackie," Jermaine La Jaune, La Toya Yvonne, Marlon David, Michael Joseph, Steven Randall "Randy," and Janet Damita Jo.
- Occupations: Musician, Singer, Songwriter.
- Group Affiliations: The Jackson 5 (later The Jacksons).
- Solo Career: Launched a solo blues career in the 2000s, releasing albums like Tito Time (2016) and Under Your Spell (2021).
- First Spouse: Delores "Dee Dee" Martes (m. 1972; div. 1988).
- Second Spouse: Mizuki Matsui (m. 2020).
- Children: Taj Jackson, Taryll Jackson, T.J. Jackson (from Dee Dee Martes), and Tariana Katherine "Tiki" Jackson (from Mizuki Matsui).
The Tragic Story of Delores "Dee Dee" Martes: Mother of 3T
Delores "Dee Dee" Martes was Tito Jackson's first wife and the central figure in his early adult life. Their relationship began when Tito was just 18 years old, and they married in June 1972. Dee Dee was a dedicated mother and a constant presence during the height of the Jackson 5's fame, even as Tito's career demanded extensive touring and time away from home.
Marriage, Divorce, and the Three T's
The couple’s 16-year marriage produced three sons, all of whom would eventually form the successful R&B group 3T: Taj Jackson (Tariano Adaryll Jackson II), Taryll Jackson, and T.J. Jackson (Toriano Adaryll Jackson Jr.). Despite their family bond, Tito and Dee Dee divorced in 1988. Even after the separation, they maintained a friendly relationship as co-parents, with Dee Dee remaining a fiercely dedicated mother to the three boys.
The Shocking Circumstances of Dee Dee Jackson’s Death
The tragedy that struck the family in 1994 remains one of the darkest chapters in the Jackson family history. On August 26, 1994, Delores Martes died at the age of 39. Her death occurred at the home of her then-boyfriend, Don Bohana, in Encino, California. Bohana called 911, claiming that Dee Dee had drowned in his backyard swimming pool after a night of drinking.
However, Tito Jackson and his sons immediately doubted Bohana's claims. The boys, Taj, Taryll, and T.J., vividly recalled the nightmare of that day and the inconsistencies in the story. Tito Jackson, alongside the Jackson family, spent years fighting for a deeper investigation into the death of his ex-wife and the mother of his children.
Justice for Dee Dee: The Don Bohana Trial
The family's persistence eventually led to a re-examination of the case. In 1998, nearly four years after her death, Don Bohana was indicted, tried, and ultimately convicted of second-degree murder. The coroner’s office had found evidence suggesting the drowning was not an accident. Bohana was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
The trial and conviction brought a measure of closure to the Jackson family, though the loss was immeasurable. The legacy of Dee Dee Jackson lives on through the music and lives of her sons in 3T, who have often spoken about the impact of her murder on their lives and their determination to honor her memory.
Mizuki Matsui: Tito Jackson's Secret Second Marriage and Final Years
Decades after the tragedy of his first marriage, Tito Jackson found a quiet, private happiness with his second wife, Mizuki Matsui. This relationship was largely unknown to the public until after Tito's death in September 2024.
A Private Union and a Final Child
Tito Jackson married Mizuki Matsui, a Japanese woman, in 2020. This union was a significant detail that emerged following the news of his passing at age 70. Mizuki was married to Tito for approximately four years.
The couple had a child together, a daughter named Tariana Katherine Jackson, also known by the nickname "Tiki," who was born in 2020. This makes Tiki Jackson the youngest of Tito's four children and the only child from his marriage to Mizuki Matsui. This private family life contrasts sharply with the very public, often tumultuous, history of the Jackson family and the tragic fate of his first wife.
Tito Jackson's Legacy and Family Life in 2024
Tito Jackson’s passing in 2024 brought renewed attention to his entire life story, from his foundational role in The Jackson 5 to his successful solo career as a blues musician. His final years were spent balancing his musical endeavors with his family life, including his marriage to Mizuki Matsui and his role as a father and grandfather. His three sons from his first marriage, the members of 3T, confirmed his passing, highlighting the enduring bond of the Jackson family.
In the end, Tito Jackson's story is one of resilience. He navigated the immense pressure of the Jackson family name, the devastating murder of his first love, and the challenges of raising three sons who followed him into the music business. His final marriage to Mizuki Matsui provided him with a quiet, loving partnership and a fourth child, bringing a peaceful and private conclusion to a life lived in the spotlight.
Detail Author:
- Name : Tyreek Rogahn V
- Username : alberto.kulas
- Email : oscar.yundt@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 2001-08-28
- Address : 140 Turner Manors Clemmieton, AZ 29597-4316
- Phone : +1-502-575-1754
- Company : Hoppe, Buckridge and Jacobi
- Job : Biological Science Teacher
- Bio : Reiciendis amet earum quos quam quo. Quae quia suscipit ut. Est dolorum explicabo voluptatibus itaque. Et hic sit consequatur ipsum et dolore.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/gstrosin
- username : gstrosin
- bio : Velit autem eos necessitatibus deserunt impedit qui.
- followers : 633
- following : 487
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/gussie4078
- username : gussie4078
- bio : Quo consequatur maiores quia fuga cumque est vel.
- followers : 1446
- following : 2793
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@gstrosin
- username : gstrosin
- bio : Suscipit voluptatibus corrupti est ipsam alias ea.
- followers : 4268
- following : 1518
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/gussie_strosin
- username : gussie_strosin
- bio : Quia labore qui qui cupiditate. Dolores repudiandae et et tenetur aspernatur. Ipsam eveniet molestiae nemo non consectetur. Ab quibusdam nostrum maxime esse.
- followers : 5349
- following : 1832
