Former President Jimmy Carter is now 98 years old, and understandably, he has grown weaker with age. The former statesman has been in hospice care in his home as he nears his end.
Keep reading to learn about this new update from his hospice care from his grandson.
The 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, decided to forgo additional medical treatment and has now chosen to spend time at home with his loved ones under hospice care.
The news was announced by The Carter Center after the former President had several short stints at the hospital. The former President’s grandson Jason Carter, who is one of his 22 grandchildren, has been providing updates on his grandfather to the American public.
The young Carter spoke to the press and described his grandfather’s condition as ‘as good as it can be’.
“They’re just meeting with family right now, but they’re doing it in the best possible way: the two of them together at home,” Jason said of his grandfather and grandmother, First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Rosalynn has been with President Carter for over seven decades. The couple will be celebrating 77 years of marriage in July.
“They also know that they’re not in charge. Their faith is really grounding in this moment. In that way, it’s as good as it can be,” Jason Carter added. He mentioned that his grandfather was aware of all the love people sent his way in the last few months as he struggled with his health.
But his faith is not all he has devoted his time to. His grandson says that the former President sits down to a bowl of his favorite ice cream flavor; peanut butter. The choice of flavor is fitting for the president, who took over his family-owned peanut farm in the early 1950s after the death of his father.
He remained in charge of the farm till 1977, when he took office as the President of the United States. He became the 39th President of the United States and defeated his opponent Gerald Ford by 2.1% of the popular vote as well as 297-240 in the electoral vote. He served as President for one term before losing the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan.
It was in 1982 that he started the Carter Foundation on the basis of ‘a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering.’ He started the foundation with the help of his wife and Emory University. The foundation sought and continues to seek to ‘prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.’
The former President has had his fair share of health issues in the last few years. In 2015 he was diagnosed with cancer and fought the battle bravely. Apart from that, he has injured himself several times as a result of falling in his home. This included a broken hip, forehead injury, black eye, and minor pelvic fracture.
The former President will be turning 99 years old on October 1. He is currently the longest living President in history, having surpassed George H.W. Bush, who passed away at 94 years old about 5 years ago.
We are praying for the former President’s health and for his family during this uncertain time. Join us in sending them your thoughts and prayers.