The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a veteran civil rights leader, Baptist minister, and two-time candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination who helped change the national political landscape in the 1980s, died at the age of 84, the family announced.
Rev. Jackson died Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026.“Our father was a servant leader—not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world.”The statement was issued by the Rev. Jesse Jackson Legacy.“Public services and other events will be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Jesse Jackson Legacy.” The statement said the services will be held in Chicago.
Rev. Jackson was a “tireless change agent” who dedicated himself to the struggle for justice, equality, and human rights. “His efforts were evident through his two campaigns for the U.S. presidency, voter registration efforts that registered millions of people to vote, and more.” He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Burns Jackson; his father, Noah Louis Robinson; and his stepfather, Charles Henry Jackson. He leaves behind his wife, Jacqueline; children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline, and Ashley; and grandchildren.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Civil Rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. He died peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity. A tireless change agent, he elevated the voices of the voiceless—from his Presidential campaigns in the 1980s to mobilizing millions to register to vote—leaving an indelible mark on history.
Reverend Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; their children — Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline; daughter Ashley Jackson, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Burns Jackson; father, Noah Louis Robinson; and stepfather, Charles Henry Jackson.
“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” said the Jackson family. “We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”
Public observances will be held in Chicago. Final arrangements for Reverend Jackson’s celebration of life services, including all public events, will be released by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition at www.rainbowpush.org or JesseJacksonLegacy.com.
Rev. Jackson was born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina.He was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement and became a protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
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