Jimmy Carter, former U.S. President, marked an amazing milestone, turning 100 years old on October 1, 2024. Just before this, Jason Carter, his devoted grandson, shared an update on his grandfather’s health. His comments follow news of Jimmy receiving hospice care in Plains, Georgia, his hometown.
Jason, speaking to People magazine at the “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song” birthday concert, mentioned that though Jimmy cannot do any physical activities on his own, he is still very much emotionally present and aware.
“I mean he’s been in hospice for over 19 months now and he has really physically diminished […] but he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving,” divulged Jason. He then added, “[He’s] experiencing the world as best as he can as he continues through this process.”
In addition, the 39th U.S. President’s grandson emphasized that while Jimmy is emotionally present, there hasn’t been all that much change regarding his health following several months in hospice care.
Before speaking with People, Jason told Southern Living about his grandad’s condition. During the conversation, it was revealed that Jimmy isn’t awake every day, and while his loved ones visit him regularly, they are not able to gauge the kind of state he will be in when they see him.
The former politician entered hospice care in February 2023 at the home he and his late wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, built in 1961. In November 2023, she sadly passed away in this same property, aged 96.
“After 77 years of marriage… I just think none of us really understand what it’s like for him right now. We have to embrace […] that there’s things about the spirit that you just can’t understand.”, Jason stated, expressing the difficulty in trying to understand what his grandfather must be going through being in hospice without his beloved wife by his side.
In the same interview with Southern Living, Jason admitted how difficult it is to truly understand how his grandfather is doing. He even confessed to Jimmy that he avoids the question by telling people he simply doesn’t know. “And he kind of smiled and he said, ‘I don’t know, myself,'” disclosed Jason.
Additionally, the 49-year-old lawyer and politician admitted that when his grandfather had first entered hospice, their family thought it would only be a matter of days before he passed. However, he expressed, “God had other plans.”
Regarding the decision for Jimmy to receive care at his estate and hometown, Jason explained, “[Plains] is the place that has given him the greatest support and it is the only place where he would go through this part of his life […] it is a fundamental part of […] who he has been for his whole life. There is no other place in the world that he would be at peace other than Plains.”
The 49-year-old had previously disclosed that his grandfather may experience a little bit of frustration at times, given his extensive stay in hospice and physical limitations, but he also highlighted, “But he also has been able to experience that level of love.”
Jason’s most recent updates about his grandfather, which he shared with People, came amid Jimmy’s centennial birthday celebration, which took place on September 17 at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre.
The music bash was first announced on August 1, 2024 on the Carter Center website, and promised stellar performances from world-renowned musical acts like Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Eric Church, and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus, to name a few.
The event aimed to raise funds for the former president’s non-profit in Atlanta, which helps people worldwide by protecting their rights, improving their governments, and fighting diseases.
Of the event, which was open to the public, and what music means to his grandad, Jason said, “Whether it was on his record player, on the campaign trail, or on the White House lawn, music has been — and continues to be — a source of joy, comfort, and inspiration for my grandfather. I can think of no better way to celebrate him and his 100th birthday than a night of music.”
Other events, such as a military flyover, were also scheduled around the area for his birthday. Meanwhile, in a separate interview with The Georgia Vote conducted much closer to Jimmy’s birthday, the 49-year-old lawyer shared additional insights into his grandfather’s life and legacy.
According to him, Jimmy’s faith has always been central to his decisions, especially his choice to enter hospice care. Jason observed that his grandfather’s choice to forego additional medical treatments demonstrated his readiness to embrace whatever God had in store for him.
He reflected, “I think he has struggled with it at times… but I think he has given himself over in these last few days to God’s plan in the same way that he lived out the rest of his life.”
Also, Jason emphasized the profound impact of his relationship with Jimmy as a family man, who has taken him on experiences like fishing trips and learning to clean catfish. These have been deeply meaningful for both him and his children.
In addition, he expressed gratitude for the extended time his children, aged 18 and 15, have had to form lasting bonds with their great-grandfather, a privilege not everyone has, especially at his age.
