Michael Jackson's father has been hospitalised.

According to gossip website TMZ, Joe, 87, got a high fever while having tests done, but doctors aren't sure what is wrong with him.

Joe's son Jermaine Jackson - brother of the late singing legend Michael, who died in 2009 aged 50 - confirmed his father was rushed to hospital and admitted the family were "worried" about his well-being.

He told the publication: "My father is doing much better. We were all worried but he's doing much better, he's much healthier and we're very happy about that.

"He got weak and they rushed him ... he was doing a normal check-up and he got weak and they admitted him.

"He came for a check-up at his doctor's and they put him in the hospital.

"The way we got the news he was not doing well."

Jermaine, 61, admitted his father is in good spirits, despite still being in hospital.

He added: "He's much better. All of his vital signs are great and we're very happy.

"He's just tired. He's 87. We're just trying to hold onto him as much as we can.

"My father's very strong, he's up there telling jokes. He's doing fine.

"We're all holding up well."

Last August, Joe was hospitalised in Brazil, where he was celebrating his 87th birthday, after suffering a stroke and three heart attacks.

He was reported to have taken three Viagra pills at the time.

Joe - who has 11 children in total, including singers La Toya Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Randy Jackson - managed his sons' Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael's band the Jackson 5.