Jason Carter, the grandson of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, recently shared a heartwarming update about his grandfather’s health just before his 100th birthday on October 1. Speaking at a music event that honored Jimmy, Jason talked about how his grandfather is doing, especially after spending many months in hospice care at home in Plains, Georgia.
During the event, called “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song,” Jason spoke to People magazine. He explained that while Jimmy Carter is no longer physically active, he’s still very much present emotionally.
“He has really physically diminished, but he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving,” Jason said. Even though Jimmy’s body is weaker, he’s still finding moments of joy, laughter, and love with the people around him.
Jimmy Carter, who was the 39th President of the United States, entered hospice care back in February 2023. At first, the family thought his time was running out. Jason admitted, “We thought he wouldn’t be with us for long, but God had other plans.” Jimmy has surprised everyone by living much longer than they expected.
In a previous interview with Southern Living, Jason said it’s hard to know what to expect day by day. Sometimes, Jimmy isn’t even awake when family members visit. “I don’t know myself,” Jimmy once told Jason with a smile, showing his own uncertainty about how he would feel from day to day.
For the final years of his life, Jimmy has stayed in Plains, Georgia, where he and his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, built their life together. Rosalynn passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96. After being married for 77 years, her absence has left a big impact on Jimmy.
“None of us really understand what it’s like for him right now… there are things about the spirit that you just can’t understand,” Jason shared, acknowledging how difficult it must be for his grandfather to continue on without her.
Jason also explained why it was so important for Jimmy to stay in Plains. “It is the place that has given him the greatest support… 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.”
Being in the place where he spent most of his life has brought Jimmy comfort, even as he’s spent more than 19 months in hospice care. While there are moments of frustration, Jason said Jimmy still feels the love and joy from his family and the community. The outpouring of support has lifted his spirits, even during such a difficult time.
Jason’s update came just before a big celebration for Jimmy’s 100th birthday. The event took place on September 17 at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre, with famous musicians like Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, and Eric Church performing in honor of the former President.
The concert was open to the public and paid tribute to Jimmy’s lifelong passion for music. Jason mentioned that music has always been a source of happiness for his grandfather, whether he was in the White House or back home in Plains.
Despite his physical challenges, Jimmy Carter remains a beloved figure. His strength, resilience, and love for life continue to inspire not only his family but the entire country.
What do you think about Jimmy Carter’s incredible journey? Let us know in the comments!
