Former President Jimmy Carter turned 100 recently and while this is an impressive feat as the oldest living U.S. president, his health is deteriorating at a concerning rate. His grandson Jason Carter recently revealed that he finds basic tasks difficult these days, including speaking on the phone.
Like he said months ago, one of Jimmy’s wishes is to stay alive long enough for the U.S. presidential elections so he can vote for fellow democrat Kamala Harris. Jason repeated this sentiment when asked how his granddad is taking his milestone year.
Jimmy Carter’s health deteriorating
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Jimmy has been in hospice care since February 2023 and was with his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, until her passing last November. Jason says his granddad is not awake every day as his final moments draw near. He also added that Jimmy is simply making the most of his time left amid having to live without Rosalynn for the first time in decades.
Current president Joe Biden has been close to Jimmy during these tough times and even put out an early birthday message to celebrate him. Biden commended his leadership and heart for charity via The Carter Center and other initiatives such as the Carter Work Project for homeless persons.
Celebrations for the former President
To celebrate Jimmy’s 100th anniversary, a concert was held in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he moved back after his presidential tenure ended in 1981. Jimmy explored his other interests squarely, including his peanut farm, poetry, humanitarian work, political books, and social projects.
Jimmy currently holds the record as the longest-living US president, and his marriage to Rosalynn is the longest-lasting. Despite political status and responsibility, Jimmy was a dedicated husband and father of four, now with 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren combined.