Jesse Jackson’s wife, Jacqueline, out of ICU as couple recover from COVID
Jacqueline Jackson, wife of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, was moved out of the ICU at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and back into her hospital room, where she continues to receive oxygen, their son said in a statement Monday.
“Both of our parents are continuing to receive excellent medical care and we thank God for the progress that both seem to be making,” Jonathan Jackson said. “We urge that you continue to keep them in your prayers because we know this is a serious disease.”
Jesse Jackson, 79, and Jacqueline Jackson, 77, were hospitalized on Aug. 21 after testing positive for COVID-19. On Aug. 27, Jonathan Jackson revealed his mother was moved to the ICU but was not on a ventilator.
Jesse Jackson publicly received a COVID-19 vaccination in early January. A longtime family spokesman said Jacqueline Jackson was not vaccinated.
“We continue to receive the love that is being poured out to our family from around the world and it is greatly appreciated, as we express our love and concern for the millions of people who have been victimized by the COVID-19 virus and its variants,” Jonathan Jackson said. “We remain prayerful for all of those who are suffering as a result.”
Jesse Jackson was transferred to the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab to undergo occupational and physical therapy for his Parkinson’s disease as his COVID-19 symptoms abate. As of Monday afternoon, he continues to receive treatment there.
On Sunday, Jesse Jackson was able to briefly make an appearance on his “Keep Hope Alive” national radio show.
Last week, faith leaders gathered outside Northwestern Memorial Hospital and prayed for the Jacksons’ recovery.
Jonathan Jackson urged those who haven’t been vaccinated for COVID-19 “to do so immediately.”