NBA Legend Magic Johnson Reacts to Passing of Dear Friend

During Johnson’s legendary basketball and business career, the former Michigan State point guard grew close to the Rev. Jesse Jackson. But since 2017, the American civil rights leader had faced numerous health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease.

But in April 2025, Jackson was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy and was hospitalized later that year. And after nearly a year-long battle, Jackson passed away on Tuesday, prompting Johnson to send a heartfelt message about his good "friend" on social media.

"Today, we lost one of the most influential civil rights giants our country has ever known," Johnson wrote on Instagram. "Reverend Jesse Jackson was more than a civil rights leader — he was a champion for people who needed someone to believe in them. I’ve met a lot of leaders in my life, on and off the court, but Reverend Jackson stood in a league of his own. He carried himself with strength, faith, and an unshakable belief that better days were always ahead..."

"I was privileged to call him a friend as we used to meet in my office in LA or his office in Chicago on countless occasions to discuss economic empowerment in Black and Brown communities... Rest in peace, Reverend Jesse Jackson. We will keep hope alive — just like you taught us. Cookie and I are praying for the Jackson family, friends and employees of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition during this difficult time.

Jackson passed away at 84 years old and is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Jacqueline Lavonne Brown Jackson, along with their five children.