Last updated on: August 22, 2025
La Toya Yvonne Jackson was born May 29, 1956, in Gary, Indiana. She is the fifth of Joe and Katherine Jackson‘s children. The Jackson family is a well-known family in music. Her siblings are Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, and Randy. Her sisters are Rebbie and Janet. She also has a half-sister, Joh’Vonnie, from her father’s other relationship.
La Toya was raised in a strict household. Initially, she aspired to study law and become an attorney. Her father, though, persuaded her to pursue entertainment, as her siblings. This choice defined the remainder of her life.
Quick Facts About La Toya Jackson
| Full Name | La Toya Yvonne Jackson |
| Birthdate | May 29, 1956 |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Actress, TV Personality, Author, Businesswoman |
| Husband/Wife | Jack Gordon (m. 1989–1997, divorced) |
| Education | Attended Cal-Prep, Los Angeles |
| Age | 69 years and 6 months old |
| Parents | Joe Jackson (father), Katherine Jackson (mother) |
| Siblings | Rebbie Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson (d. 2024), Jermaine Jackson, Joh’Vonnie Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Brandon Jackson (died shortly after birth), Michael Jackson (d. 2009), Randy Jackson, Janet Jackson |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | About $4 Million |
Start in Entertainment
La Toya’s initial major breakthrough was during the mid-1970s. She guest-starred on the family television show “The Jacksons.” Everyone soon discovered her talent and charm. Shortly thereafter, she embarked on her music career.
She released her debut album, “La Toya Jackson,” in 1980. She released other albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Her most successful album came in 1984 with “Heart Don’t Lie.” It contained hits such as “Bet’cha Gonna Need My Lovin’.”
She also collaborated with her brother Michael. She provided backing vocals for his hit “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing).” In 1985, she was among numerous artists who recorded “We Are the World,” the iconic charity song.
Career Beyond Music
La Toya’s talent does not stop at singing. She has been a songwriter, actress, TV personality, and businesswoman. She even performed in Paris Moulin Rouge’s “Formidable” revue, demonstrating her performance skills.
In the 1990s, La Toya wrote her autobiography “La Toya: Growing Up in the Jackson Family.” She made the book a bestseller and provided readers with an open glimpse of her life within the renowned family.
She later appeared on TV shows such as “The Celebrity Apprentice” and had her own reality show, “Life with La Toya.” These came-ons provided the fans with a better glimpse of her personality and challenges.
Personal Life and Struggles
La Toya’s life has not been simple either. She was married to her manager, Jack Gordon, in 1989. Her marriage was unhappy. She has already talked about being abused at that point in her life. It also created tension between her and her family.
After years of struggle, La Toya divorced Gordon in 1997. She then reunited with her siblings and began to rebuild her career. She never produced any children but instead concentrated on her own personal freedom and professional ambitions.
Relationship with Janet Jackson
La Toya is most commonly known as Janet Jackson’s older sister. While Janet became an international superstar, La Toya forged another road. She ventured into music, books, television, and business.
The sisters are close as the middle and youngest daughters in the family. Their relationship was tested sometimes, particularly during La Toya’s troubled marriage. But upon her divorce, she reconnected with her family, including Janet.
READ ALSO: Janet Jackson Net worth, Age, Husband, Family, Facts & More
La Toya’s Legacy
La Toya Jackson did not become as famous as her brother Michael nor her sister Janet. Nevertheless, she is admired for her bravery and versatility. She demonstrated courage by overcoming personal issues and rediscovering her voice.
Her work attests that she is greater than a Jackson sibling. She is an artist, a writer, and a survivor. Today La Toya is regarded as a significant aspect of the Jackson saga.
