Family Members Clarify Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Condition Amid Life Support Claims

Rev. Jesse Jackson remains hospitalized, but his family denies reports the Civil Rights leader has been placed on life support.

In a statement released Sunday, Nov. 16,  family members addressed what they called “inaccurate reports” about Jackson’s condition.

“Reverend Jackson is in stable condition and is breathing without the assistance of machines,” the statement read. “Contrary to specific reports, he is not on life support.”

The family said Jackson, 84, is alert and “called for 2,000 churches to prepare 2,000 baskets of food” to help those in need this holiday season.

Jackson is being treated for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), according to his family.

He was diagnosed with PSP in April 2025, per a statement released last week by his Rainbow Push Coalition.

“He has been managing this neurodegenerative condition for more than a decade,” the organization said. “He was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; however, last April his PSP condition was confirmed.”

Because of complications from the illness, he was hospitalized on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

According to published reports, the two-time presidential candidate was rushed  to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago in the middle of the afternoon.

PSP affects walking, balance, eye movements and swallowing, according to the Mayo Clinic.  The disease “worsens over time” and can lead to complications, including pneumonia and trouble swallowing. There is no cure.

A source close to Jackson told CNN he “had a significant drop in blood pressure” on Saturday night. Hospital staff responded quickly and he was stabilized.

Jackson founded the Rainbow Push Coalition in 1971. The organization was originally called People United to Save Humanity and later renamed the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

The group’s website says its mission is to “protect, defend, and gain Civil Rights by leveling the economic and education playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world.”

Jackson retired from his position as president in 2023.

He is the focus of a new book by CNN anchor Abby Phillip titled “A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power.”

The book’s description says it takes “a triumphant new look at Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaigns of the 1980s and how they changed Black political power.”

Below is the full statement from Jackson’s family on his hospitalization:

“The family of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., wishes to clarify his current medical condition following inaccurate media reports. Reverend Jackson is in stable condition and is breathing without the assistance of machines. He remains under the care of physicians as he manages progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurological disorder with which he was diagnosed in April. Contrary to specific reports, he is not on life support.

In fact, today he called for 2,000 churches to prepare 2,000 baskets of food to prevent malnutrition during the holiday season,’ said his son, Yusef Jackson.

The family is grateful for the dedicated medical team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where Reverend Jackson is receiving appropriate treatment. The Jackson family extends heartfelt appreciation for the many prayers and kind messages offered during this time.”