While addressing the crowd at the 28th Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum, their grandson, Jason Carter, offered another update on Jimmy Carter’s health.
“My grandfather is doing OK. He has been in hospice, as you know, for almost a year and a half now. And he really is, I think, coming to the end,” Jason shared, according to The Hill.
“As I’ve said before, there’s a part of this faith journey that is so important to him,” he continued. “And there’s a part of that faith journey that you only can live at the very end, and I think he has been there in that space.”
Jason recalled a moment he shared with his grandfather just a few weeks ago while watching the Atlanta Braves. “I said, ‘Papa, you know, I can’t — people ask me how you’re doing, and I say I don’t know.’ And he said, ‘Well, I don’t know myself,‘” he said. “So he is still there.”
Exactly one year after entering hospice, Carter’s family shared its first updated announcement since the passing of the former’s president beloved wife.
The announcement, shared by his grandson with CBS Sunday Morning, comes just three months after Jimmy’s beloved wife Rosalyn passed away in November.
“After a year in hospice, on a daily basis we have no expectations for his body, but we know that his spirit is as strong as ever,” Jason Carter shared in a video that aired on Sunday Morning.
A second statement released the same day by Carter’s foundation expressed similar sentiments.
“One year after entering hospice care, President Carter continues to be at home with his family. The Carter Family is grateful for the many expressions of love they have received and the continued respect for their privacy during this time. The family is pleased that his decision last year to enter hospice care has sparked so many family discussions across the country on an important subject.”
Despite receiving end of life care for the last 12 months, Carter was able to attend his wife’s funeral.
Former President Jimmy Carter arrives to attend a tribute service for his wife and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta. WATCH LIVE: https://t.co/nCf59CYK2D pic.twitter.com/SjO55TJQoI
— Atlanta News First (@ATLNewsFirst) November 28, 2023
Carter left many in tears when he attended the service draped in a blanket that celebrated his and Rosalyn’s longtime love and marriage. The black and white blanket showcased a portrait of Rosalynn and himself with the text “The Carters” and “Est. 1885” embroidered on it, which honored the town where they met as children, Plains, Georgia.
Prayers for Jimmy Carter as His Foundation Makes Grim Announcement
February 18, 2023 / News / By Sara Vallone
New reports have revealed that former president Jimmy Carter has entered hospice. In a statement released by The Carter Center, the decision for the 39th president to enter hospice comes after several hospital stays.
“After a series of short hospital stays, former US President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. He has the full support of his family and his medical team.”
Carter is currently the oldest living president at 98 years old. According to CNN, he’s held that record since 2018, when George H.W. Bush passed away at 94.
Over the last several years, Carter has dealt with several health issues. In 2015, the former president beat brain cancer, and in 2019, he underwent brain surgery to remove mounting pressure.
Along with being a former United States president, Jimmy is also a retired peanut farmer, US Navy Lieutenant, and Sunday School teacher. He’s also a longtime volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and a 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
Carter currently resides in Plains, Georgia, with his wife, Rosalynn Carter. They share four children together, Amy, Donnel, Jack, and James.
RELATED: Jimmy Carter Shares His Secrets After 75 Years Of Marriage To Rosalynn
Our thoughts and prayers remain with Jimmy and his family as they remain by his side during this particularly difficult time.