Jason Carter, the grandson of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, recently gave an update on his grandfather’s health as they prepare to celebrate his 100th birthday on October 1. Speaking at a special music event honoring Jimmy Carter, Jason shared how his grandfather is doing, especially after spending months in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia.
Jason spoke to People magazine during the event called “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song.” He explained that while Jimmy may no longer be physically active, he’s still emotionally present. “He has really physically diminished, but he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving,” Jason said.
Even though his body is weaker, Jimmy Carter still finds ways to enjoy life, to laugh, and to love those around him.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, entered hospice care back in February 2023. At first, Jason admitted that the family thought the end might come quickly. “God had other plans,” Jason said with a smile. Jimmy has outlived the family’s expectations. Jason, in an earlier interview with Southern Living, shared how unpredictable each day is.
Some days, Jimmy isn’t even awake, so family members visit not knowing what to expect. “I don’t know myself,” Jimmy once told Jason with a grin, acknowledging how unpredictable his health has become.
Jimmy has spent his final years in Plains, Georgia, the town where he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, made their life together. Sadly, Rosalynn passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96. The loss of his wife of 77 years has deeply affected Jimmy. “None of us really understand what it’s like for him right now,” Jason said, reflecting on how hard it is to comprehend the emotional toll.
“There are things about the spirit that you just can’t understand.”
Jason also talked about why it was 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 surrounded by his family, community, and the love that fills that small town has brought Jimmy comfort, even though he’s been in hospice care for over 19 months. Jason admitted there can be moments of frustration with the situation, but Jimmy still finds joy in the love and support around him.
This update on Jimmy Carter’s health came just before his big 100th birthday celebration. The milestone event was held on September 17 at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre and featured performances from well-known musicians like Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, and Eric Church. The event was open to the public as a tribute to Jimmy Carter’s lifelong passion for music.
Jason mentioned how much music has meant to his grandfather over the years, both during his time as President and at home in Plains.
Even though Jimmy Carter is physically limited, he remains a beloved figure who continues to inspire his family and the entire nation with his resilience, strength, and enduring love for life.
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