Civil rights legend, Rev. Jesse Jackson, has been taken to the hospital as he continues his long battle with a rare neurological condition, his Chicago-based Rainbow/PUSH Coalition announced on Wednesday.

Jackson, now 84, has spent years managing health complications. Although he publicly revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis back in 2017, the organisation disclosed that he has also been dealing with a related condition known as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). 

According to the group, doctors formally confirmed the PSP diagnosis in April, even though he has been coping with its symptoms for over a decade.

The family appealed for prayers and support, noting that the past few months have required intensive, round-the-clock care. It remains unclear whether Jackson is battling both Parkinson’s and PSP or solely the latter, as the two conditions share similar symptoms. Requests for clarification were not immediately answered by Rainbow/PUSH spokespersons.

Despite his health challenges, Jackson remained active in public life for years. He made appearances at major political events, including the 2024 Democratic National Convention, even after stepping down from leading Rainbow/PUSH in 2023. His son, Yusef Jackson, took over as chief operating officer shortly after.

Family members say the reverend relied on a wheelchair and maintained regular visits to the office until recently. In the last few months, his children — including U.S. Representative Jonathan Jackson and former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.  have been taking turns providing full-time care.

Though he can no longer speak and struggles to keep his eyes open, his family says he still finds small but powerful ways to communicate. “He’ll squeeze your hand,” Jesse Jackson Jr. shared, describing how his father acknowledges loved ones who sit by his side.