Learn about Jesse Jackson's wife and children

Rev. Jesse Jackson, a key figure in civil rights, passed away on February 17, 2026, at age 84. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and six children: Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline, and Ashley. Together, they continue his legacy through activism and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a prominent civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 84. Jackson had been hospitalized since November 12, 2025, after a long struggle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a neuromuscular disease similar to Parkinson’s. At the time of his passing, his family was present, as confirmed by a statement from his organization on Instagram.

Family Overview

Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Jackson, and six children: Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan Luther, Yusef, Jacqueline, and Ashley. He and Jacqueline were married for 63 years.

Jacqueline Jackson

Jacqueline Jackson, commonly called Jackie, was born on March 7, 1944, in Fort Pierce, Florida, to Gertrude Davis, a 15-year-old migrant worker. Her mother later married Julius Brown, and they raised four children in Newport News, Virginia. Jacqueline met Jesse Jackson at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical College in the early 1960s. The couple married in December 1962 when Jacqueline was 18 and expecting their first child. After marrying, they relocated to Chicago.

Jacqueline largely remained out of the public spotlight during Jesse Jackson’s civil rights work but became more visible during his presidential campaigns. She has also been involved in activism, including a 2001 arrest in Puerto Rico for protesting Navy bombings on Vieques Island. In 2019, she published her first book, Loving You, Thinking of You, Don’t Forget to Pray: Letters to My Son in Prison, which collects letters she wrote to Jesse Jackson Jr. during his 30-month prison sentence.

The Jackson Children

Santita Jackson

Santita Jackson, the eldest child, has pursued careers in music and television. She performed the national anthem at President Bill Clinton’s second inauguration in 1997 and currently hosts a YouTube talk show called "The Santita Jackson Show."

Jesse Jackson Jr.

Jesse Jackson Jr., former Democratic U.S. Representative for Illinois, served from 1995 until his resignation in 2012 amid an investigation into campaign fund misuse. He pled guilty in February 2013 and was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Jonathan Luther Jackson

Jonathan Luther Jackson has followed in his father’s political footsteps. Since 2023, he has served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois. Prior to holding office, he was the national spokesperson for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Yusef Jackson

Yusef Jackson serves as chief operating officer of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and is a practicing attorney with a juris doctorate from the University of Virginia.

Jacqueline Jackson

Named after her mother, Jacqueline holds degrees in biology and cultural anthropology and has earned a doctorate in international educational policy.

Ashley Jackson

Ashley Jackson, born in 1999 from Jesse Jackson’s relationship with Karin Stanford, is a writer and producer. She graduated from Spelman College and earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California. Jesse Jackson publicly recognized Ashley in 2001 and assumed full responsibility for her emotional and financial support.

Legacy

Rev. Jesse Jackson’s life was defined by decades of civil rights activism. He worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr., advocated for voting rights, and challenged corporations on diversity issues. His family played a critical role in supporting and continuing his work. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, founded by Jackson, remains central to his legacy, with Jonathan and Yusef actively participating in its operations. Jackson’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in American civil rights and political history, leaving behind a family deeply engaged with his work and public life.

Sources:

• See Jesse Jackson's family. What to know about his wife, children - Yahoo News
• Rev. Jesse Jackson's 6 Children: All About the Late Civil Rights Leader's Kids - People.com
• Who Is Rev. Jesse Jackson's Wife? All About Fellow Civil Rights Activist Jacqueline Jackson - People.com
• See Jesse Jackson's family. What to know about his wife, children

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.