Jason Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, recently shared insights into his grandfather’s health during a mental health forum at the Carter Center. This event was held in memory of his late grandmother, Rosalynn Carter.
Current Health Status
“My grandfather is doing alright,” Jason stated, as reported by CNN. He noted that President Carter has been receiving hospice care for nearly a year and a half and appears to be approaching the final stages of life. “There’s an aspect of this faith journey that holds great significance for him,” he added. “It’s something you can only truly experience towards the end.”
Jimmy Carter made history as the oldest living president after surpassing George H.W. Bush’s age following Bush’s passing in 2018 at 94 years old.
Health Challenges Faced
Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has faced numerous health issues including metastatic brain cancer and liver cancer, along with undergoing brain surgery after a fall in 2019. He transitioned to hospice care in February 2023 after several hospital stays but made a rare public appearance at his wife’s memorial service last November.
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Reflecting on Loss
Reflecting on their family’s recent loss, Jason remarked about how challenging it was for everyone involved, especially for his grandfather. “The immense love and support we received from people here and around the world meant so much to us,” he said. “It transformed our grieving process into something celebratory.”
Rosalynn Carter’s Legacy in Mental Health Advocacy
Rosalynn Carter was an unwavering advocate for mental health throughout her time as First Lady of both Georgia and the United States. In 1977, she initiated the President’s Commission on Mental Health which led to crucial advancements in funding research and improving access to treatment options.
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Jason also emphasized how significant his grandmother’s contributions were regarding caregiving within mental health discussions while reminiscing about moments spent with his grandfather over recent months.
During one memorable moment watching an Atlanta Braves game together, Jason recalled asking him how he felt amidst all that had happened: “I told him people often ask me about your well-being; I just don’t know what to say.” To which Jimmy replied humorously, “Well, I don’t know either.”
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Public Interest Surrounding His Condition
The former president’s declining health has garnered significant public attention since entering hospice care earlier this year. In February during an interview with CBS News, Jason reassured viewers that despite everything happening around them, “his spirit remains incredibly strong.”
Before embarking on a political career marked by serving as Georgia’s governor before becoming America’s 39th president from 1977 until 1981—Carter began as a peanut farmer and served honorably as a lieutenant in the U.S Navy.
