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By Hollie Silverman
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The family of civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson refuted reports on Sunday that he was on some form of life support in an emailed statement to Newsweek.
"Contrary to specific reports, he is not on life support," the statement sent out by Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC), which Jackson founded that is dedicated to social justice, read.
Multiple news outlets had reported that family and friends were traveling to be with Jackson as he received life support at a hospital in Chicago.
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"Reverend Jackson is in stable condition and is breathing without the assistance of machines," the family said in RPC's statement. "He remains under the care of physicians as he manages progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurological disorder with which he was diagnosed in April."
Jackson's son Yusef said in the statement: “In fact, today he called for 2,000 churches to prepare 2,000 baskets of food to prevent malnutrition during the holiday season.”
Why It Matters
Jackson, a "protégé" of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the past six decades.
His condition brings renewed attention to his long-standing advocacy for racial and economic justice, and the debilitating effects of PSP, which affects movement, balance, and eye motion. Jackson was diagnosed with PSP in April after nearly a decade of being treated for Parkinson's disease.
What To Know
Jackson, 84, was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital last week following complications related to PSP.
The RPC confirmed his hospitalization in a statement on November 12, but did not share further medical details, instead encouraging the community to offer prayers and support.
On Thursday, Jackson’s son, Jesse Jackson Jr., said on his radio show that there had been "significant improvement" in the civil rights leader’s condition under medical care.
Jackson was first diagnosed with what was thought to be Parkinson's disease in 2017, but it was later confirmed as PSP, a condition with no cure that typically leads to severe disability within three to five years, according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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What People Are Saying
Reverend Jesse Jackson's family said in a statement emailed to Newsweek by the RPC on Sunday night: "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."
Santita Jackson, Reverend Jackson's daughter, told ABC News last week: "Tough times never last, but tough people do. And, with God on your side, you are a majority. This is not a tragic moment. This is a triumphant moment... As my mother said, 'We both started at less than zero and now he is a hero to so many.'"
Jesse Jackson Jr., Reverend Jackson's son, said on his radio show last week: "On behalf of the Jackson family, we cannot extend enough of our gratitude for those of you who have expressed your thoughts and prayer over the last 24 hours. Dad has lived a number of years past the life expectancy of associated with this particular disease and has put up and continues to put up a valiant struggle against this particular form of unique Parkinson's, for which there is no cure."
What Happens Next?
There is no timeline for Jackson's potential release as his prognosis remains uncertain.
Update 11/16/25, 6:28 p.m. ET This story has been updated with more information.
Update 11/16/25, 6:50 p.m. ET This story has been updated with more information and an updated headline based on Jackson's family's latest statement.
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