Rev. Jesse Jackson Passes Away Surrounded by Loved Ones

A Complicated Chapter

Tuesday's statement also publicly acknowledged daughter Ashley — a reminder of a deeply personal chapter that became national news more than two decades ago.

In January 2001, Jackson admitted to an extramarital affair that resulted in the birth of a daughter. "This is no time for evasions, denials or alibis," he said at the time, according to ABC News. "I fully accept responsibility, and I am truly sorry for my actions."

He said he had been providing the child with "emotional and financial" support.

Ashley’s mother, Karin Stanford, later told CNN that she wanted Jackson "to be a father" to their daughter, according to a 2001 report from CNN. At the time, she said Jackson had been paying $4,000 a month in child support.

"This child deserves the monthly support she receives, a life insurance policy, provisions for a college education, and, most importantly, dignity and privacy," Jackson said in response to questions from CNN in 2001.