Jimmy Carter, Scott Cunningham, and Getty Images
Jimmy Carter’s resilience shines through as he marks one year under hospice care, according to his grandson’s heartfelt sentiments. As the milestone of one year in hospice approached, the Carter family reflected on the enduring strength of the former president and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support they’d encountered.
“Despite the uncertainties surrounding his physical condition after a year in hospice, we are certain of one thing: his spirit remains steadfast,” shared Jason Carter, Jimmy Carter’s grandson, in a touching video aired on “CBS Sunday Morning.”
At 99 years old, Jimmy Carter holds the distinction of being the oldest living US president. His journey has been marked by triumphs over metastatic brain cancer, liver cancer, and numerous health challenges, including a critical brain surgery following a fall in 2019. In February 2023, he transitioned into hospice care following a series of hospitalizations.
Hospice care, characterized by an interdisciplinary approach, focuses on addressing the holistic needs of individuals nearing the end of life. It encompasses physical comfort, emotional well-being, and spiritual solace, all while providing vital support and coordination for the family. Notably, there’s no predetermined duration for hospice care, often tailored to the individual’s preferences, whether at home or within familiar surroundings.
“One year into his hospice journey, President Carter remains surrounded by the love of his family, where he feels most at home. The Carter Family deeply appreciates the outpouring of affection they’ve received and the continued respect for their privacy during this period,” affirmed the Carter family in a statement on Sunday.
“The family finds solace in the meaningful conversations sparked nationwide by President Carter’s decision to embrace hospice care last year.”
The passing of Carter’s beloved wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, in November at the age of 96, brought profound loss. As first lady, Rosalynn Carter tirelessly advocated for mental health reform, reshaping the role of the president’s spouse.
Jimmy Carter’s legacy extends far beyond his presidency, notably for his unwavering commitment to human rights. His pivotal role in brokering the Camp David Accords in 1978 stands as a testament to his dedication to peace.
Before his foray into politics, Carter, a Democrat, led a humble life as a peanut farmer and served as a US Navy lieutenant. He served as Georgia’s governor before assuming the presidency from 1977 to 1981.
In the post-presidential years, Jimmy Carter, alongside his wife, Rosalynn, established The Carter Center, a beacon of hope for global peace and health initiatives. Their tireless efforts took them to conflict zones worldwide, from Cuba to Sudan to North Korea, where they monitored elections and battled neglected tropical diseases, notably Guinea worm disease. Their collective endeavors were recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
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