Ahead of former President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday on October 1, his grandson, Jason Carter, provided a heartfelt update on his grandfather’s health. Jason’s reflections come after sharing earlier that Jimmy had been receiving hospice care in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
During a recent interview at the “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song” concert, Jason revealed that although Jimmy is physically limited and unable to perform tasks on his own, he remains emotionally present. Jason shared that while Jimmy has been in hospice for over 19 months and has diminished physically, he continues to engage emotionally, laughing, loving, and experiencing the world as best as he can.
Jason emphasized that despite his emotional engagement, there hasn’t been much change in his grandfather’s condition during the long months of hospice care. He admitted that when Jimmy initially entered hospice, the family thought it would be a matter of days before his passing, but he noted, “God had other plans.”
Jason also discussed his grandfather’s current state in a previous interview with Southern Living, mentioning that Jimmy isn’t awake every day and that when family members visit, they don’t always know what to expect. Jimmy Carter entered hospice care in February 2023 in the home he shared with his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who sadly passed away in November of the same year at the age of 96.
Reflecting on the profound loss of his grandmother, Jason expressed the difficulty in understanding what his grandfather must be going through. He noted that after 77 years of marriage, it’s hard to grasp what Jimmy is feeling in hospice without Rosalynn by his side. Jason emphasized that there are aspects of the spirit that are beyond understanding, especially after such a long and devoted partnership.
In his interview with Southern Living, Jason also shared a lighthearted moment between him and his grandfather. He explained that when asked about Jimmy’s condition, he often tells people he doesn’t know how his grandfather is doing because it’s difficult to gauge. In response, Jimmy smiled and said, “I don’t know myself.” This exchange highlights Jimmy’s humor and resilience, even in the face of uncertainty.
Jason also reflected on the decision for Jimmy to stay in hospice care at his home in Plains, explaining that it was the only place Jimmy felt at peace. Plains has always been a source of comfort and support for the former president, and Jason emphasized that there’s no other place where his grandfather would want to spend this stage of his life.
Despite the physical limitations and frustrations that come with being in hospice, Jason noted that Jimmy continues to feel the love and support of his family. This deep connection remains a source of strength for him, as it has been throughout his life.
Jason’s latest updates came during a celebration of Jimmy’s upcoming centennial birthday, which took place on September 17 at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre. The event, announced by the Carter Center in August 2024, featured performances from renowned musicians, including Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Eric Church, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus.
Reflecting on the event, Jason spoke about the significance of music in his grandfather’s life, explaining that it has always been a source of joy, comfort, and inspiration for Jimmy, whether it was on the campaign trail, at the White House, or in his home. He described the concert as the perfect way to celebrate Jimmy’s 100th birthday, honoring him with a night filled with music and love.