The father of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. remained mostly mum Tuesday about his son's treatment for an ailment that staffers have so far called exhaustion.
When asked exactly what's wrong with the congressman, Rev. Jesse Jackson told NBC Chicago it's "inappropriate" to disclose details.
"We're with him and we hope that he'll be fully restored to his health," said Jackson, in studio to discuss the Rainbow-PUSH Coalition's 41st annual conference beginning Tuesday. "Right now he's going through a tremendous challenge."
Rev. Jackson said the Jackson Jr. is "slowly regaining his strength, [is] on his medical supervision, and he's taking his time recovering, and of course we pray for him."
A source close to Jackson said last week the congressman is "very sick," and that a new statement regarding his condition came because of "heightened concern than there was even a few weeks ago."
The congressman's office announced last month he was taking a leave of absence and was being treated for exhaustion. A statement released last week by a spokesman suggests Jackson Jr. will need more time away for an ailment that's "more serious than we thought and initially believed."
Sen. Dick Durbin said Monday the congressman has an obligation to give his constituents more details sometime soon. Durbin referred to Mark Kirk, who supplied information about his stroke earlier this year.
Rev. Jackson said Jackson Jr.'s family stands by him.
"We love him so much and hope he'll be successful in his recovery," he said.
