Jesse Jackson dies 'peacefully surrounded by family' Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 84 with a statement revealing he passed away "peacefully" surrounded by his loved ones. 17 February 2026 Rev. Jesse Jackson has died "peacefully surrounded by his family". Jesse Jackson has died The celebrated civil rights leader passed away on Tuesday (17.02.26) at the age of 84 after a long struggle with declining health including a Parkinson's disease diagnosis and a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), which affects walking and swallowing.