Rev. Jesse Jackson Hospitalized with Rare Neurological Disorder

Thu Nov 13 2025 22:02:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The civil rights icon, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, is now suffering from progressive supranuclear palsy as family and friends offer ongoing support.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, the renowned civil rights leader, has been hospitalized due to a rare neurological disorder known as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), which he has been managing for over a decade. Although he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017, there is still uncertainty about whether he suffers from both conditions. His family has been providing around-the-clock care as he continues to communicate through gestures despite his deteriorating condition.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Rev. Jesse Jackson, an esteemed figure in the civil rights movement, has recently been hospitalized with a rare neurological disorder, according to his Chicago-based organization.

Jackson, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease for over a decade, is now under observation for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative condition. Jackson's organization, Rainbow/PUSH, disclosed his current health status late Wednesday, revealing that he has been managing PSP for more than ten years and received a formal diagnosis earlier this year in April.

“The family appreciates all prayers at this time,” stated the press release.

There is still ambiguity regarding whether Jackson is contending with both Parkinson’s and PSP, as the symptoms of the two diseases can overlap. A spokesperson from Rainbow/PUSH has not responded to queries seeking clarification.

Despite his Parkinson’s diagnosis made public in 2017, Jackson remained active, making public appearances, including participation at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Earlier this year, Jackson stepped down from his leadership role at Rainbow/PUSH, handing the reins to his son, Yusef Jackson, who assumed the chief operating officer position.

Family members report that the elder Jackson has been using a wheelchair and that they had been providing continuous care until his hospitalization.

His sons, including U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson and former Illinois congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., have been taking turns to offer 24-hour care. Despite severe challenges, including difficulty keeping his eyes open and an inability to speak, Jackson has found means to communicate, typically through gestures such as hand squeezes, as shared by Jesse Jackson Jr. last month.

}