Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., his wife Jaqueline “respond positively” to COVID-19 treatment, family say

CHICAGO (WLS) – Reverend Jesse Jackson and his wife Jacqueline, remain hospitalized with COVID-19 Monday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Several local church leaders gathered at the hospital Monday morning to pray for Reverend Jackson and his wife, asking for healing.

“Dear God, we pray for a total restoration,” said Reverend Ira Acree of the Greater St. John Bible Church. “We pray that the medicinal healing powers will invade their bodies so that they can continue to provide leadership, guidance and hope.”

Jonathan Jackson, son of Reverend Jackson and Jacqueline, shared an update on his parents’ condition on Sunday with ABC7.

“She had been really lethargic with flu-like symptoms [and] went to the hospital on Friday, ”he said. “Then it was diagnosed that she and my father had both contracted COVID. “

According to the family, the couple are now resting comfortably and responding positively to the treatment.

“She has some oxygen, but is able to function and breathe on her own without a respirator,” Jonathan said. “Nothing serious. Due to her age and current state of health, it’s more difficult.”

Reverend Jackson, who is 79, was fully immunized in January, receiving two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017.

Sunday evening there was a Zoom Prayer Circle with several pastors and supporters.

“None of us expected to be right now, but as Reverend Jackson often says, ‘the pitch is not a place for a champion and we know we have to live up to it. opportunity, ”said Janette Wilson of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

“We walked with them, we prayed with them and we laughed with them, and we are hugging them right now,” added Reverend Otis Moss.

The Jackson family know the battle is not over yet.

“It’s vicious and it can turn quickly, so we try to stay optimistic. But I saw this thing turn in no time. You really don’t know,” Jonathan said.