Civil rights titan Rev. Jesse Jackson has been discharged from Northwestern Memorial Hospital after undergoing medical observation for a rare neurological condition, his family and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition confirmed on Monday. The 84-year-old activist, who has spent more than six decades advocating for equality and social justice, is now recovering in a private residence.

Jackson, long regarded as one of the most influential voices of the modern civil rights movement, was admitted on November 12 for complications associated with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The condition, which affects movement, coordination, and eye function, had been under close monitoring throughout his stay. Family sources earlier explained that doctors worked to stabilize his blood pressure and ensure he remained safely responsive.

In a statement of gratitude, Jackson’s son and family spokesperson, Yusef Jackson, praised the outpouring of public support during the difficult period.
“Our family would like to thank the countless friends and supporters who have reached out, visited, and prayed for our father,” he said. “We bear witness to the fact that prayer works, and we extend our appreciation to the compassionate medical and security teams at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. We ask that you continue to keep him in your prayers.”

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition also reaffirmed that Jackson is in stable condition and is expected to continue receiving supportive care as he manages PSP—a progressive neurological disorder often mistaken for Parkinson’s disease. Jackson was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013, but further examination confirmed the PSP diagnosis in April 2024. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes PSP as a rare, degenerative illness that severely impacts mobility over time, with many patients experiencing significant impairment within several years.

Despite his health challenges, Jackson has remained characteristically committed to humanitarian initiatives. Earlier this month, even while hospitalized, he reportedly urged faith leaders to mobilize thousands of food baskets to support families vulnerable to holiday-season hunger. His family noted that he remained mentally alert and deeply engaged in community conversations during his stay.

While hospitalized, Jackson received visits from notable public figures, including Rev. Al Sharpton and former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton—longtime allies in civil rights and political advocacy.

Jackson’s influence traces back to the 1960s, when he served as a close aide to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Following King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson emerged as a leading national figure in the movement for racial and economic justice. He founded Operation PUSH in 1971 to advance educational and economic opportunities for Black Americans, later establishing the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984. In 1996, the two organizations merged into the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the influential advocacy institution he led for decades.

Even in his later years, Jackson continued to champion voting rights, healthcare access, and economic equity, solidifying his legacy as one of the most persistent and respected activists of his generation.

Although the full details of his health condition remain private, his family emphasized that the veteran civil rights leader is receiving excellent care and remains surrounded by loved ones. For now, supporters across the nation are expressing relief that he has left the hospital and hope he continues to rest and heal.

FAQ SECTION

1. What illness was Rev. Jesse Jackson hospitalized for?
Jackson was hospitalized due to complications from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and eye coordination.

2. Is Rev. Jesse Jackson still in the hospital?
No. He has been discharged and is recovering in a residence under continued monitoring.

3. How serious is PSP?
PSP is a degenerative condition similar to Parkinson’s disease. It worsens over time and can lead to significant mobility challenges.

4. Did Jackson receive visitors while hospitalized?
Yes. Several notable figures—including Rev. Al Sharpton and Bill and Hillary Clinton—visited him during his stay.

5. What is Jackson’s current condition?
His family reports that he is stable and recovering, though still managing the effects of PSP.