Reverend and civil rights activist Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 84.

According to his family, Jackson “passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his loved ones.”

“His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped advance a global movement for freedom and dignity,” the Jackson family statement added.

Reverend Jackson was a leader of the civil rights movement in the U.S. since the 1960s. He fought for the rights of Black Americans and other minorities alongside his mentor, Martin Luther King Jr., and was present when King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968.

In 2017, Jackson announced that he was suffering from Parkinson’s disease, a chronic degenerative disorder of the nervous system that primarily affects movement and worsens over time.

In 2021, he was hospitalized after contracting COVID-19 and was readmitted after a fall that caused a head injury.

Jesse Jackson ran twice for the Democratic Party nomination for president, in 1984 and 1988. The first time, he won more than 18% of the vote in the primaries, and four years later, he won 11%.

Statement from the Jesse Jackson Family

“With deep sadness, we announce the passing of civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the honorable Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson.

He passed away 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 agent of change, he gave a voice to 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, Yusuf, Jacqueline; his daughter Ashley; and his grandchildren.

Our father was a servant-leader not only to our family but also to the oppressed, the powerless, and the neglected around the world. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. His steadfast faith in justice, equality, and love inspired millions, and we ask that you honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he championed.”

Public ceremonies will be held in Chicago. Final arrangements for the memorial services honoring Reverend Jackson, including all public events, will be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.