Timeline
February 17, 2026 — February 17, 2026
World
Timeline: The Death of Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson at Age 84
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a transformative civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and became the first major African-American presidential candidate, died on February 17, 2026, at age 84. This timeline tracks the announcement of his death, the revelation of his medical condition, and the outpouring of tributes from political leaders across the spectrum.
9 events · 0 days · 30 source articles
Sun, Jan 1, 2017
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Jackson diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
Jesse Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2017, marking the beginning of his battle with neurodegenerative illness. This diagnosis came after decades of tireless activism and political work. The condition would affect his final years of life.
Tue, Apr 1, 2025
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Jackson receives progressive supranuclear palsy diagnosis
In April 2025, Jackson was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a more specific neurological disorder than initially thought. This rare degenerative brain disease would ultimately contribute to his death. The diagnosis came during his ongoing hospitalization and observation.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
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Rev. Jesse Jackson dies peacefully at age 84
Jesse Jackson died peacefully Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, surrounded by his family at age 84. His death followed a long battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. The civil rights icon's passing marked the end of more than six decades of activism and political engagement.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
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Jackson family releases statement honoring his legacy
The Jackson family released a statement describing their father as 'a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world.' They noted his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition also announced his passing.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
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President Trump pays tribute to Jackson as 'force of nature'
President Donald Trump lauded Jackson's legacy, calling him 'a force of nature like few others before him.' Trump, who knew Jackson personally, noted that Jackson had much to do with elections 'without acknowledgment or credit.' This tribute came despite the current Trump administration's controversial targeting of civil rights institutions.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
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Former Vice President Harris calls Jackson 'one of America's greatest patriots'
Former Vice President Kamala Harris paid tribute to Jackson on social media platform X, calling him 'one of America's greatest patriots.' She praised how he spent his life summoning Americans to fulfill the nation's promise and building coalitions to make that promise real. Harris was among many political leaders who mourned his passing.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
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President Obama and political world mourn Jackson's death
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum as leaders remembered Jackson's transformative impact. Barack Obama, the first Black U.S. president whose path Jackson helped pave, was among those paying respects. The political sphere united in recognizing Jackson's legacy as a civil rights activist and Democratic strategist who registered millions of new voters.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
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Media reflects on Jackson's historic presidential campaigns
News outlets highlighted Jackson's groundbreaking 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns, which proved that a Black man could be a serious contender for the White House. Despite never winning the Democratic nomination, Jackson registered millions of new voters and reshaped Democratic Party politics. His campaigns elevated voices of the voiceless and challenged the party's rightward shift under Reagan.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
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Jackson's family announces plans for public commemorations
According to the Jackson family, public commemorations were planned to honor the civil rights icon's legacy. Jackson is survived by his wife Jacqueline and their children. The family asked the public to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values of justice, equality, and love that he lived by throughout his remarkable life.
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