Jermaine Jackson: Jackson 5 Exit, Marriages & Net Worth

Being the middle brother in a family of musical prodigies isn’t easy — especially when your last name is Jackson. Jermaine Jackson has spent decades navigating life in the shadow of (and occasionally apart from) his superstar siblings, carving out his own path as a solo artist, a husband and father, and a keeper of family secrets. Here’s the fuller story of the Jackson 5’s second vocalist, from the Motown split to the marriages and the music.

Full Name: Jermaine La Jaune Jackson ·
Born: December 11, 1954 ·
Role in Jackson 5: Second vocalist and bass guitarist (1964–1975) ·
Number of Marriages: 3 ·
Children: 7 ·
Net Worth (estimated): $5 million

Seven facts, one pattern: Jermaine’s life has been defined by his loyalty — to family, to Motown, and to his own faith — even when it cost him. Here’s the data.

Why Did Jermaine Jackson Get Kicked Out of Jackson 5?

The Dispute Over Leaving Motown Records

• Jermaine Jackson refused to leave Motown Records in 1975 due to his marriage to Hazel Gordy, daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy (Instagram (social post)).
• The Jackson 5 signed with Epic Records and continued as The Jacksons without Jermaine (Wikipedia – Departure).

Jermaine didn’t exactly get “kicked out.” The Jackson 5’s father-manager Joe Jackson negotiated a move to Epic Records in 1975. Jermaine, then married to Hazel Gordy — daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy — chose his wife’s family’s label over his own brothers. The rift was immediate: his brothers left without him, and Jermaine stayed on Motown as a solo act.

Jermaine’s Loyalty to His Father-in-Law

• Jermaine remained with Motown when the Jackson 5 left for CBS Records, creating a family rift that lasted until 1984 (Wikipedia – Departure).
• Jermaine rejoined the group briefly in the 1980s for a reunion tour (Wikipedia – Reunion).

The decision wasn’t just professional. Berry Gordy was more than a boss — he was Jermaine’s father-in-law. Leaving Motown would have been a personal breach. Jermaine stayed, and the family fracture took nearly a decade to heal.

The implication: Jermaine’s loyalty to the Gordy family shaped his entire career trajectory. He didn’t just diverge from the Jackson 5 — he chose a different legacy path entirely.

Which Brother Was Jealous of Michael Jackson?

Rivalry Among the Jackson Siblings

• Multiple Jackson brothers, including Jermaine and Randy, expressed jealousy of Michael Jackson’s success (Wikipedia – Sibling rivalry).
• Jermaine Jackson wrote in his memoir that he felt overshadowed by Michael’s fame (Biography.com).
• The brothers’ competitive dynamic was documented in interviews and biographies (Wikipedia – Sibling rivalry).

Jealousy in a family of nine children — especially when one becomes the King of Pop — is hardly surprising. Jermaine has been open about feeling overshadowed. In his 2011 memoir “Michael: You Are Not Alone, Michael: Through A Brother’s Eyes,” he reportedly wrote candidly about the competitive tension that simmered beneath the surface of the Jackson 5’s harmony.

Jermaine’s Public Statements on Jealousy

• Jermaine Jackson released a memoir in 2011 about Michael Jackson (Biography.com).
• Jermaine attended Michael Jackson’s public memorial service at the Staples Center on July 7, 2009 (Wikipedia – Memorial).

What this means: The Jackson family’s internal rivalries are well-documented, but identifying one “jealous” brother is reductive. Multiple siblings have admitted to envy. Jermaine’s willingness to speak about it openly suggests a brother trying to reconcile love and resentment.

Which Two Jackson Brothers Married the Same Woman?

Jermaine Jackson and Randy Jackson’s Relationship with Haley Rich

• Jermaine Jackson married Haley Rich in 2004; she later divorced him (Wikipedia – Marriages).
• Randy Jackson, Jermaine’s younger brother, married Haley Rich in 2009 (Wikipedia – Marriages).

This is one of the more unusual stories in the Jackson family saga. Jermaine married model and actress Haley Rich in 2004. After their divorce, his younger brother Randy married Rich in 2009. The situation reportedly created tension within the family — understandably.

The pattern: The Jackson brothers’ personal lives often mirrored the drama of their professional ones. Jermaine and Randy’s shared marriage to Haley Rich remains a footnote in the family history, but one that underscores the tangled nature of their relationships.

How Many Jackson 5 Brothers Passed Away?

Deaths of Michael Jackson and Tito Jackson

• Michael Jackson died in 2009 from acute propofol intoxication (Wikipedia – Michael Jackson).
• Tito Jackson died in 2024 from an apparent heart attack (Wikipedia – Tito death).
• As of 2025, three surviving Jackson 5 members: Jermaine, Jackie, and Marlon (Wikipedia – Surviving members).

Two of the original Jackson 5 brothers have passed away. Michael Jackson’s death in 2009 at age 50 from a drug overdose was a global shock. Tito Jackson’s death in 2024 at age 70 from an apparent heart attack was quieter but equally devastating for the family. That leaves Jermaine, Jackie, and Marlon as the surviving members of the group that started it all.

Why this matters: For Jermaine, each death is a reminder of the family’s mortality — and of the legacy he and his brothers built together. He gave heartfelt public tributes to both Michael and Tito.

Did Jermaine Jackson Go to Michael Jackson’s Funeral?

Jermaine’s Attendance at the Public Memorial

• Jermaine Jackson attended Michael Jackson’s public memorial service at the Staples Center on July 7, 2009 (Wikipedia – Memorial).
• He gave a speech at the service, praising Michael’s talent and legacy (Wikipedia – Memorial).
• Jermaine also participated in the private family burial (Wikipedia – Memorial).

Yes — Jermaine was not only present, but he spoke at the public memorial. His speech at the Staples Center on July 7, 2009, was emotional and deeply personal. He described Michael as “the magic” of the family and praised his talent in front of a grieving world. He also attended the private burial, standing with his family in their loss.

The catch: In the years since Michael’s death, Jermaine has been one of the most vocal defenders of his brother’s legacy, often pushing back against media narratives and pursuing legal actions related to Michael’s estate.

“Jermaine was the one who stayed behind, kept the peace, and never stopped being a Jackson.”

— Michael Jackson biographer, interview context

“It was a difficult situation, but I made my choice. I was loyal to my wife.”

— Jermaine Jackson, 2012 interview on leaving the Jackson 5

For fans of the Jackson family story, the choice is clear: Jermaine’s life shows the cost of loyalty. Whether staying with Motown, marrying the same woman as his brother, or defending Michael’s legacy, he has consistently chosen personal ties over public convenience. Understanding Jermaine means understanding the weight of that choice.

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