SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Rev. Jesse Jackson, the renowned civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, has been discharged from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago following treatment for a rare neurological disorder. His son, Yusef Jackson, confirmed that the 84-year-old was released on Monday.
In 2013, Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but his diagnosis was updated to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a severe neurodegenerative condition with symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s. Jackson now requires round-the-clock care at home.
Expressing gratitude, Yusef thanked the many friends and supporters who reached out and prayed for their father, along with the healthcare staff who provided his treatment. He emphasized the family's request for continued prayers during this crucial time.
Jackson, a protégé of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., was hospitalized on November 14. During his stay, he received visits from notable figures including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and civil rights leader Al Sharpton.
Despite his health challenges, Jackson continued to make public appearances after announcing his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2017, including at the recently held 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In 2023, he stepped down from leading the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, which he founded in 1971, although he continued to visit the office until recently.
Currently, Jackson relies on a wheelchair, struggles with eye control, and is unable to speak. His sons, Jonathan Jackson (an Illinois U.S. representative) and Jesse Jackson Jr. (a former congressman seeking reelection), along with family members, are providing him with care in shifts.
In 2013, Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but his diagnosis was updated to progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a severe neurodegenerative condition with symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s. Jackson now requires round-the-clock care at home.
Expressing gratitude, Yusef thanked the many friends and supporters who reached out and prayed for their father, along with the healthcare staff who provided his treatment. He emphasized the family's request for continued prayers during this crucial time.
Jackson, a protégé of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., was hospitalized on November 14. During his stay, he received visits from notable figures including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and civil rights leader Al Sharpton.
Despite his health challenges, Jackson continued to make public appearances after announcing his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2017, including at the recently held 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In 2023, he stepped down from leading the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, which he founded in 1971, although he continued to visit the office until recently.
Currently, Jackson relies on a wheelchair, struggles with eye control, and is unable to speak. His sons, Jonathan Jackson (an Illinois U.S. representative) and Jesse Jackson Jr. (a former congressman seeking reelection), along with family members, are providing him with care in shifts.
