On June 27, Joseph "Joe" Jackson, passed away at the age of 89, mere days after it was revealed that the had been hospitalized for late-stage cancer.
Joe was the father of the late pop star Michael Jackson, singer Janet Jackson, as well as nine other children, many of whom were part of the group he founded, The Jackson 5.
Joe has had a history of multiple hospitalizations in the recent years. In 2015, he had a pacemaker implanted after suffering a stroke and three heart attacks. The following year, he was back in the hospital after experiencing a high fever.
Although it is alleged that pancreatic cancer is the cause of his death, the official ruling is still up in the air.
"I have seen more sunsets than I have left to see," read a tweet posted Sunday from Joe's official Twitter account. "The sun rises when the time comes and whether you like it or not the sun sets when the time comes."
Thanks to Joe's management skills, The Jackson 5 became one of the biggest groups in the world, and it was this success that helped launch Michael and Janet's solo careers. However, their experience working with their father wasn't a walk in the park.
Over the years, Joe was criticized for being too tough on his children. Some reports went as far as claiming that he was physically and emotionally abusive.
He did eventually admit that he used physical disciplinary methods on his kids.
"I don't [regret the beatings]," he said in 2010. "It kept them out of jail and kept them right. I don't think [Michael] was afraid of me. What he was afraid of, he may do something wrong and I'd chastise him but not beat him. I never beat him like the media tried to say."
Leading up to his final days, his relationship with his children seemed strained. Joe himself revealed that only two family members came to see him after his heart attacks.
"When I suffered four strokes last year and was in the hospital recovering, only two people in my family traveled all the way to see me," he wrote in 2014. "My granddaughter Brandi [Jackie Jackson's daughter] and my baby girl, Janet."
But in the moments following his death, you'd never be able to tell that he had issues with his family. The Jacksons took to social media to pay tribute to the patriarch.
"I will always love you! You gave us strength, you made us one of the most famous families in the world," his daughter LaToya Jackson tweeted. "I am extremely appreciative of that, I will never forget our moments together and how you told me how much you cared. #RIP Joe Jackson."
Joe's grandchildren also had some lovely words to say about him on social media. Randy Jackson sent a tweet saying that his grandfather "made everything possible."
"RIP to the king that made everything possible!!! I love you grandpa 🖤🖤"
But it was Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris Jackson, who penned a heartfelt tribute that made many people emotional.
Paris reflected on her grandfather's life as well as his final moments, calling him "one of the greatest patriarchs to ever live." She also confirmed that in the end Joe was surrounded by his family.
"RIP The HAWK. Joseph Jackson," Paris wrote in the caption of a photo in which she's holding her grandfather's hand. "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."
She continued, "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."
Paris then called Joe "the first true Jackson. The Legend that started it all." She added, "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."
Finally, she promised to make sure that her grandfather is "never forgotten" and asked him to keep his word and visit her after his death.
"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."
Joe is survived by his wife, eight of his children with Katherine, daughter Joh'Vonnie Jackson and more than two dozen grandchildren.