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pastor Jesse Jacksonthe civil rights icon who fought for equality alongside her Martin Luther King JrHe died on February 17, 2026 at the age of 84. During the final months of his life, Jackson was hospitalized for his condition, a neuromuscular disease called progressive supranuclear palsy.
Jackson’s organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, posted news of his death in a statement on Instagram that day, noting that he “died peacefully.”
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.,” the coalition’s statement said. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family.”
The statement continued: “His unwavering commitment to justice, equality and human rights has helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. As a tireless agent of change, he has lifted the voices of the voiceless – from his presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to vote – leaving an indelible mark on history.”
Here’s what we know so far about Jackson’s final months and the cause of his death.
When did Jesse Jackson die?
According to a Rainbow PUSH coalition statement, Jackson died on the morning of February 17.
What is the cause of Jesse Jackson’s death?
Jackson’s cause of death was not immediately revealed, but he was hospitalized in November 2025 due to a degenerative condition called progressive supranuclear palsy.
Jesse Jackson’s health: All about his neuromuscular disease
Jackson was diagnosed with a disease known as progressive supranuclear palsy, which is similar to Parkinson’s disease, and was hospitalized with the condition in November 2025.
Progressive supranuclear palsy is also known as Still-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic. The disease is a rare disease that affects a person’s ability to walk, swallow, and move his eyes, and can lead to pneumonia and difficulty swallowing. The condition worsens over time, and there is no cure for it.
Presidents Clinton, Biden and Obama — along with former first ladies Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary Hillary Clinton — arrived at funeral services for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson on Friday. pic.twitter.com/6arO55cywU
— ABC News (@ABC) March 6, 2026
Despite his progressive neurological disorder, Jackson continued to advocate for civil rights into his final years. In August 2021, he was arrested after protesting Congress to end the filibuster, raise the minimum wage and protect voting rights.
When is Jesse Jackson’s funeral set?
Jackson’s funeral service was held on March 6, 2026, and was attended by many public figures, including former presidents. Barack Obama and Joe BidenThey both spoke at the service.
