Jesse Jackson Cause of Death: Civil Rights Leader Dies at 84 After Battle With PSP

Legendary U.S. Activist and Two-Time Presidential Candidate Passes Away Surrounded by Family

Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of America’s most influential civil rights leaders and a pioneering voice for justice, equality and human rights, has died at the age of 84, his family and longtime organization confirmed on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Jackson passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after years of health struggles linked to a rare progressive neurological condition known as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) — a degenerative disease similar to Parkinson’s.

A Life Dedicated to Justice and Equality

Born Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941, Jackson rose from a segregated childhood in the Deep South to become a defining figure in the American civil rights movement. A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he took an active role in marches, protests and voter registration drives throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

He founded two powerful advocacy groups — Operation PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) and the National Rainbow Coalition — later unified as the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which worked for economic and social justice inside the U.S. and abroad.

Political Trailblazer and Presidential Hopeful

Jackson made history as a two-time Democratic presidential candidate, running campaigns in 1984 and 1988 that energized millions of voters and helped reshape Democratic politics. Though he never secured the nomination, his campaigns broke barriers and expanded political representation for African Americans and other marginalized communities.

His famous campaign slogan “Keep hope alive” became a lasting rallying cry for civil rights and progressive movements across generations.

Long-Term Health Challenges

Jackson initially disclosed a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2017. In 2025, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition confirmed that his condition had progressed to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder affecting movement, balance and eye control. He spent several weeks in hospital in late 2025 as part of care for PSP, but his family said he died peacefully.

Global Impact and Tributes

Leaders from across the political spectrum and civil society joined in mourning Jackson’s passing. Former presidents, lawmakers, activists and international figures praised his lifetime commitment to justice, human rights, voting rights, economic equality and peace.

U.S. political leaders described him as a moral force and a tireless advocate, while global figures credited his efforts for advancing civil rights far beyond American borders.

A Legacy That Endures

Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy extends from the streets of the civil rights era to modern campaigns for racial equity, economic opportunity, and democratic participation. His work helped shape U.S. politics for decades and inspired countless activists around the world.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and their children, as well as a global community of supporters who will continue to uphold the causes he championed throughout his historic life.