Former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter are approaching the end of their lives, their grandson announced.
What Happened: According to The Hill, Josh Carter, the couple’s grandson, revealed in an interview with People on Saturday that his grandparents are in the “final chapter” of their lives. Jimmy Carter is in hospice care while Rosalynn Carter is battling dementia.
Jimmy Carter, 98, began receiving hospice care in February after several short hospital stays. He chose to spend his remaining time at home with his family instead of opting for additional medical interventions. His wife, Rosalynn, was diagnosed with dementia in May, as disclosed by The Carter Center.
Despite their health challenges, the Carters recently celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary. They hold the record for the longest marriage of any first couple in U.S. history. “They’ve experienced everything that you can together. I think the beautiful thing is that they are still together,” Josh Carter said.
Why It Matters: The announcement of Jimmy Carter’s decision to enter hospice care came in February, marking a notable absence at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, where he has been teaching Bible class since the 1980s. The oldest living president chose to receive end-of-life care at his modest, one-story home in Plains, Georgia.
In March, President Joe Biden revealed that Carter had asked him to give his eulogy, indicating his acknowledgment of his health’s declining trajectory.
Rosalynn Carter’s diagnosis with dementia in May added another layer of health challenges for the couple. The former First Lady has been a lifelong advocate for mental health, raising awareness and working to reduce the stigma around mental illness.
The Carters’ health issues underscore their enduring bond. Despite their challenges, they have remained together, recently celebrating their 77th wedding anniversary, demonstrating their shared resilience in the face of adversity.
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