Civil Rights Activist Jesse Jackson Cause of Death: Everything We Know

Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson has died aged 83. The political leader was known for his close friendship with Martin Luther King Jr. and his multiple attempts at running for the U.S. presidency.

Following the announcement of Jackson's death on Tuesday, February 16, several more details about his ongoing illness and physical health have come to light.

Jesse Jackson Was Suffering From Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

While the activist's family has not given an official statement about Jackson's cause of death, he was hospitalized for an increasingly aggressive case of Parkinson's disease in November 2025 and remained under observation until his death.

In April 2025, Jackson's coniditon was confirmed to be Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a more aggressive neurological disorder that presents with similar symptoms to Parkinson's.

Jackson health troubles began in 2017, and he was forced to step back from his duties as the president of PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) in 2023. The organization was one he founded in the early '70s shortly after Dr. King's death, advocating for social, racial, and economic justice throughout the U.S.

The family has not confirmed Progressive Supranuclear Palsy as Jackson's listed cause of death, but the disease is uniformly terminal and often results in death between five and seven years after symptoms arise. The most common compliation that causes death is pneumonia. (via National Library of Medicine)

His family's statement reads: "[Jackson's] unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. A tireless change agent, he elevated 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.”

Jesse Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Jackson, and their five children: Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan Luther, Yusef DuBois and Jacqueline Lavinia. He also leaves behind another daughter Ashley, and her mother, Karin Stanford.