Prior to the extraordinary milestone that former President Jimmy Carter will celebrate on October 1, his devoted grandson Jason Carter provided some fresh information about his grandfather’s health. He made these remarks following Jason’s description of Jimmy receiving hospice care in Plains, Georgia, his hometown.
At the “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song” birthday celebration, Jason told People magazine that although Jimmy is incapable of performing any physical tasks on his own, he is still very much aware of and present for emotions.
“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,” stated Jason. He concluded by saying, “[He’s] experiencing the world as best as he can as he continues through this process.”
The grandson of the 39th President of the United States further clarified that although Jimmy is emotionally involved, not much has changed in terms of his health after receiving hospice care for a few months.
Jason further acknowledged that his family believed his grandfather would only have a few days left to live when he first entered hospice. But as he put it, “God had other plans.”
Jason had a conversation about his grandfather’s health with Southern Living before he spoke with People. In the course of the talk, it became clear that Jimmy doesn’t stay awake every day and that even though his loved ones pay him regular visits, they are unable to predict his emotional state.
Jimmy Carter, who built the house with his late wife Rosalynn Carter in 1961, entered hospice care in February 2023. Rosalynn tragically lost away at their house in November 2023. She was ninety-six.
Jason said, “After 77 years of marriage…,” expressing how difficult it is for him to comprehend what his grandfather must be going through while in hospice care and without his cherished wife at his side. Simply said, I don’t think any of us truly get what he’s going through at the moment. We must accept the fact that there are aspects of the spirit that are incomprehensible.”
According to Jason, Jimmy admitted in the same Southern Living interview that he had told people he didn’t know how his grandfather was doing because it was difficult to determine how he was doing. “And he kind of grinned and said, ‘I don’t know, myself,’” Jason revealed what they had discussed.
Jason further acknowledged that his family believed his grandfather would only have a few days left to live when he first entered hospice. But as he put it, “God had other plans.”
“[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,” Jason said in reference to the choice to provide Jimmy with care at his Plains home. Plains is the only spot in the world where he would feel at peace.”
Given his prolonged stay in hospice care and his physical restrictions, Jason had previously stated that his grandfather might feel a little frustrated at times. However, he also emphasized, “But he also has been able to experience that level of love.”
As previously stated, Jason provided People with his most recent updates regarding his grandfather during Jimmy’s centenary birthday celebration on September 17 at Atlanta’s iconic Fox Theatre.
On August 1st, 2024, the Carter Center website first revealed details of the music extravaganza. Notable musicians Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Eric Church, Drive-By Truckers, and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus were among those who were expected to deliver great performances.
Regarding the public event and the significance of music for his grandfather, Jason stated, “My grandfather has always found joy, solace, and inspiration in music, whether it be from his record player, during campaign rallies, or on the White House lawn.” A musical evening seems like the ideal way to honor him and his 100th birthday.”
