Joe Jackson has died at the age of 89.

The patriarch of one of modern music's most famous families passed away in a Las Vegas hospital after a long battle with cancer. His son Jermaine revealed recently that they had not been able to see him as details of his whereabouts had been kept from them, but succeeded earlier this month.

Jackson was instrumental in the success of The Jackson 5 in the 1960s and 1970s, but also had a reputation for being tyrannical in his pursuit of fame and fortune for his sons' musical careers. Stories of beatings and forced rehearsals after school emerged in the 1980s, and indeed, he told Oprah in recent years that he did not regret beating his children with a strap, saying “It kept them out of jail and kept them right.”

Nevertheless, fans, family and celebrities have been paying tribute to him on social media, some of which you can see below.

 

 

RIP The HAWK. Joseph Jackson. spending those last few moments with you were everything. being able to tell you everything i needed to tell you before saying goodbye was such a blessing. everyone that came to visit you, came with love, respect, and so much pride in their hearts for you. proud of you, proud to be your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, proud to have your strength and share the dynasty you spent your life creating, and proud to be a jackson. you are the first true jackson. the legend that started it all. none of us would be anywhere near where we’re at if it weren’t for you. you are the strongest man i know. your life’s work will go down in history, as will you, to be known as one of the greatest patriarchs to ever live. i will cherish every moment with you til the day i die, especially our last moments. being able to hold your hand, lay with you and cuddle you, give you kisses all over your cheeks and forehead, meant more to me than you’ll ever know. quoting advice you gave me when i was a little kid and seeing your eyes light up, sharing stories my dad used to tell me about you, telling a joke and hearing you laugh for the last time.. my heart is full knowing we left each other in that way. i made you promise me you’ll come visit me. you agreed and i’m going to hold you to it. and i promised you that we will keep telling your story, over and over. to never be forgotten. my great grandchildren will know who joseph jackson is. i love you grandpa. so so so much that words can’t describe. i have immense gratitude for you, and always will. we all feel that way. thank you for everything. truly. rest in peace and transition. i’ll see you in my dreams very very soon.

A post shared by Paris-Michael K. Jackalope (@parisjackson) on


>