For nearly a century, Jimmy Carter has been a beacon of resilience and grace, but as the 39th President of the United States approaches his 100th year, his family is grappling with the reality of his declining health. In an exclusive conversation with Southern Living, Jason Carter, the former president’s grandson, offers a poignant glimpse into the Carter family’s experience caring for their beloved patriarch during this final chapter.
According to Jason, there has been “really no change” in Jimmy’s physical condition in recent months, but his baseline is starkly different from the active and engaged ex-president the world once knew. The loss of his inseparable wife, Rosalynn, in November at the age of 96 has left an undeniable void, one that Jason acknowledges is beyond their comprehension: “After 77 years of marriage… I just think none of us really understand what it’s like for him right now.”
A Poignant Hospice Journey
As Jimmy continues his hospice journey in the same Plains, Georgia, home he and Rosalynn built in 1961, his days are marked by unpredictability. Jason reveals that the 99-year-old is no longer awake every day, and when his four children visit, they can never be certain of the state they’ll find their father in. “He’s experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process,” Jason says, his words a testament to the family’s unwavering support and understanding.
Since terminating medical intervention, Jimmy has remained largely out of public view, save for his attendance at Rosalynn’s memorial events, where he had the opportunity to reconnect with the Plains community he holds so dear.
The Enduring Significance of Plains
For Jimmy Carter, Plains is more than just a hometown – it’s a fundamental part of his identity, a place that has given him the greatest support and the only place where he would choose to spend this final chapter of his life. “That’s his home in every way, and he really cherished that time and that support,” Jason affirms.
The Carters’ humble abode, which they deeded to the National Park Service, is set to become a museum, preserving the “American story” of a man who journeyed from a 600-person village to the White House and back again. “It is a really incredible story to go from that little town to the White House and back again,” Jason marvels, underscoring the profound significance of Plains in Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy.
A Life Well-Lived
As the world watches and waits, the Carter family’s unwavering devotion to their patriarch serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and family. Through the challenges of Jimmy’s final days, his loved ones remain steadfast, cherishing each moment and honoring the remarkable life of a man who has left an indelible mark on the world.
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