Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, 84, has been hospitalized in Chicago for observation of progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which he founded, announced the hospitalization on Wednesday evening, stating that he has been managing the condition for more than a decade.
The hospitalization was confirmed by multiple sources, including the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which issued a statement saying Jackson is under observation at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. His family has expressed appreciation for prayers during this time, though no further details on his current condition have been released. The announcement came on November 12, 2025, and news outlets reported it within hours, highlighting the recency of the event and the widespread concern for his well-being.
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare neurological disease that affects body movements, walking, balance, and eye movements. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain and typically begins in a person’s 60s, with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Jackson was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017, but his PSP condition was confirmed in April 2025, after more than a decade of managing neurodegenerative issues, underscoring the progressive nature of his health challenges.
Jesse Jackson rose to prominence as a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and became a leading figure in the civil rights movement. He founded Operation PUSH in 1971 to improve economic conditions in Black communities and later established the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984, which merged to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. His work has focused on racial equality, economic justice, and voter rights for over six decades, making him a seminal figure in American social history and inspiring countless activists.
Jackson’s health has been a public concern in recent years. In 2017, he publicly disclosed his Parkinson’s diagnosis, noting that he had noticed symptoms for about three years prior. In 2021, he and his wife were hospitalized for Covid-19, and he later suffered a fall that required overnight observation. He stepped down from leadership of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 2023, succeeded by Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, marking a transition in the organization he built and reflecting his ongoing health management.
The news of his hospitalization has drawn attention from across the political and social spectrum, given his enduring influence. Jackson’s legacy includes two presidential campaigns in the 1980s, where he advocated for progressive policies and increased representation for minorities. His efforts have inspired generations of activists and leaders, and his current situation reminds many of his contributions to civil rights, with messages of support flooding in from colleagues and admirers nationwide.
As Jackson undergoes observation, the focus is on his well-being, with many expressing support and hope for his recovery. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition continues its work, now led by Rev. Haynes, while Jackson’s condition highlights the challenges of neurodegenerative diseases. His public battle brings awareness to PSP, a little-known disorder, and underscores the importance of health management in later life, serving as a poignant reminder of the human side of iconic figures.
