Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

The renowned activist and former presidential candidate passed away after a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The renowned civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson died on Tuesday at the age of 84. Jackson, who was known as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s protégé, had been hospitalized in Chicago since November 2025 for progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disease that can affect a person's ability to walk, balance, and swallow. Jackson had a lifetime of national acclaim for his dedication to civil rights, including launching Democratic presidential bids in 1984 and 1988.

Why it matters

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, continuing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and advocating for racial equality and social justice throughout his decades-long career. His passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a revered leader who inspired millions around the world.

The details

Jackson was originally diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2017, but last April his condition was confirmed as progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disorder. In November 2025, his family pushed back against reports that he was on life support, stating that he was in stable condition and breathing without assistance. Despite his health challenges in recent years, Jackson remained active, calling for 2,000 churches to prepare food baskets to prevent malnutrition during the holiday season just days before his death.

  • Jackson was hospitalized in Chicago in November 2025 for progressive supranuclear palsy.
  • He was originally diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2017.
  • Last April, his condition was confirmed as progressive supranuclear palsy.

The players

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A renowned civil rights activist and former Democratic presidential candidate who was known as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s protégé.

Yusef Jackson

Rev. Jesse Jackson's son, who provided updates on his father's condition in November 2025.

Martin Luther King Jr.

The iconic civil rights leader who mentored Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Bill Clinton

The former U.S. President who awarded Rev. Jesse Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.

Rosa Parks

The renowned civil rights activist who worked alongside Rev. Jesse Jackson.

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What they’re saying

“He has been managing this neurodegenerative condition for more than a decade.”

— Yusef Jackson, Rev. Jesse Jackson's son (Rainbow PUSH Coalition)

“In fact, today he called for 2,000 churches to prepare 2,000 baskets of food to prevent malnutrition during the holiday season.”

— Yusef Jackson, Rev. Jesse Jackson's son (Rainbow PUSH Coalition)

The takeaway

Rev. Jesse Jackson's passing marks the end of an era for the civil rights movement, as the nation mourns the loss of a towering figure who dedicated his life to the fight for racial equality and social justice. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.