Joe Jackson, father of Michael and Janet Jackson has died at age 89

Joe Jackson, the father of the pop music icons Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, has passed away today at 89-years-old, TMZ reports. Jackson reportedly passed away this morning in Los Angeles after dealing with cancer along with other health complications in recent years.

Jackson was known as the tough manager behind his son Michael during the 1970s; he also brought five of his other sons together to form the famous child band The Jackson 5. During his lifetime, Jackson received criticism for his strict and sometimes abusive treatment of the band; Michael and Janet would both ultimately fire him in the '80s.