At 98, Jimmy Carter is currently America’s oldest living former president. Unfortunately, a new report suggests that the end of his life is drawing near.
According to NPR, the Carter Center posted a statement to its website on Saturday announcing that the former president began undergoing hospice care at home following a series of short hospital stays.
Former president “grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers”
The statement explained that Carter “has the full support of his family and his medical team.” It added that the former president’s “family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers.
https://t.co/1auzIG0yqy pic.twitter.com/JJQMWgg8DW
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) February 18, 2023
NPR pointed out that Carter has been plagued by poor health for some time, having managed to successfully battle cancer in 2015.
More struggles came in 2019, including a urinary tract infection as well as falls that resulted in a broken hip, a fractured pelvis, bruises, and a gash on his head that required stitches.
From peanut farmer to president
A timely reminder that after turning 95 years old, President Jimmy Carter suffered a fall that left him with a black eye, bruises, and 14 stitches — and still went out the next day to build homes for Habitat for Humanity.pic.twitter.com/UgYxyD7fqG
— Goodable (@Goodable) February 19, 2023
Born in Georgia, Carter served as an officer in the United States Navy from 1946 until 1953 and worked as a peanut farmer before becoming governor of his home state.
A Democrat, Carter defeated Republican President Gerry Ford in 1976 and served a single term before suffering his own defeat at the hands of Ronald Reagan in 1980.
After leaving the White House, Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter went on to work diligently on behalf of Habitat for Humanity, helping fix over 4,000 homes.
Grandson says Carter is “at piece”
News of Carter’s failing condition inspired messages of support on social media, including from Anthony Guglielmi, who serves as chief of communications for the United States Secret Service. He tweeted, “Rest easy Mr. President. We will be forever by your side.”
Rest easy Mr. President. We will be forever by your side. https://t.co/IhpZEvIUUL
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) February 18, 2023
Jason Carter is the former president’s grandson, and he said that his grandparents “are at peace” in a home that “is full of love.”
I saw both of my grandparents yesterday. They are at peace and—as always—their home is full of love. Thank you all for your kind words https://t.co/9rhG61sZEV
— Jason Carter (@SenatorCarter) February 18, 2023