Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and activist, has died
17 february 2026 в 18:37
The renowned civil rights activist, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, passed away just three months after being hospitalized due to health issues caused by a rare neurological disease known as progressive supranuclear palsy. As the public and his family mourn his loss, many are beginning to learn more about the illness that Jackson lived with in recent years.
News of Jackson’s death emerged just hours after he passed away on February 17, 2026. His organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, announced it on Instagram the same day.
«With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr»., - the statement read. «He passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by family. … His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. An tireless agent of change, he amplified the voices of those who could not be heard—from his presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to vote—leaving an indelible mark on history».
Next, we will share everything you need to know about Jackson’s rare degenerative disease.
As mentioned, Jackson passed away on the morning of February 17, 2026, according to information from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. The deceased priest was 84 years old.
The cause of Jackson’s death was not immediately disclosed, although he died approximately three months after being hospitalized.
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare disease that affects the ability to walk, move the eyes, and swallow, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is also known as Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome.
This condition can lead to pneumonia and difficulties swallowing, and a person’s overall health deteriorates over time. There is no treatment for this disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Progressive supranuclear palsy is similar to Parkinson’s disease. Jackson was diagnosed with the latter in 2013, and his diagnosis was updated to PSP in 2025.
Jackson was hospitalized on November 12, 2025, due to PSP, as his family reported at the time. He was discharged on November 24.
«Our family would like to thank the countless friends and supporters who reached out, visited, and prayed for our father», - said a statement from Yusuf Jackson, the son of the late civil rights activist and family spokesperson, according to USA Today. «We witness that prayer works, and we would also like to thank the professional, caring, and amazing medical and security staff. We humbly ask for your continued prayers during this precious time»
News of Jackson’s death emerged just hours after he passed away on February 17, 2026. His organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, announced it on Instagram the same day.
«With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr»., - the statement read. «He passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by family. … His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. An tireless agent of change, he amplified the voices of those who could not be heard—from his presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to vote—leaving an indelible mark on history».
Next, we will share everything you need to know about Jackson’s rare degenerative disease.
As mentioned, Jackson passed away on the morning of February 17, 2026, according to information from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. The deceased priest was 84 years old.
The cause of Jackson’s death was not immediately disclosed, although he died approximately three months after being hospitalized.
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare disease that affects the ability to walk, move the eyes, and swallow, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is also known as Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome.
This condition can lead to pneumonia and difficulties swallowing, and a person’s overall health deteriorates over time. There is no treatment for this disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Progressive supranuclear palsy is similar to Parkinson’s disease. Jackson was diagnosed with the latter in 2013, and his diagnosis was updated to PSP in 2025.
Jackson was hospitalized on November 12, 2025, due to PSP, as his family reported at the time. He was discharged on November 24.
«Our family would like to thank the countless friends and supporters who reached out, visited, and prayed for our father», - said a statement from Yusuf Jackson, the son of the late civil rights activist and family spokesperson, according to USA Today. «We witness that prayer works, and we would also like to thank the professional, caring, and amazing medical and security staff. We humbly ask for your continued prayers during this precious time»
© Kolganov Andrey
