Rev. Jesse Jackson has been taken to a rehab center after spending it almost a week in the hospital being treated for COVID-19, his son Jonathan said in a statement Friday. Jackson’s wife, Jacqueline, who was also hospitalized with COVID last week, has been taken to the intensive care unit.
Jackson, 79, was taken from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago to the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, where he will immediately begin therapy to treat his Parkinson’s disease, Jonathan said. He was diagnosed with degenerative nervous system disorder in 2015, a condition his son says has “focused” more as his COVID symptoms have dissipated.
Jacqueline Jackson, 77, was hospitalized with her husband on August 23, but has since been transferred to the ICU. Her son said she does not wear a fan, but that she receives oxygen treatments to help her breathe on her own.
“Both parents continue to receive excellent medical care,” Jonathan said. “We urge you to continue to keep them in your prayers because we know it is a serious illness.”
The civil rights leader, best known for his activism, told Associated Press reporters on Tuesday that he was grateful for the great care he was receiving.
“I’m pretty good,” Jackson said.
Jackson is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but Jacqueline has not received any dose due to a pre-existing condition, the AP reported.
In the statement, Jackson’s son thanked those concerned about his parents and urged everyone to get vaccinated.
“We continue to receive the love that is being poured into our family around the world and is very grateful as we express our love and concern for the millions of people who have been victims of the COVID-19 virus and its variants, “Jonathan said. “We know this is a dangerous disease, so please keep praying for all those who suffer as a result. “