Jimmy Carter's Appearance At Plains Peanut Festival Takes Attendees By Surprise: 'One Of The Toughest Men To Serve As President'

In an unexpected turn of events, former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter were seen at the Plains Peanut Festival, despite both battling serious health issues.

What Happened: Politico reported on Saturday that the former President and his wife, residents of Georgia, attended the hometown festival, as confirmed by the Carter Center. The couple was filmed enjoying the festival from their black SUV.

As shared by the Carter Center, “Beautiful day for President & Mrs. Carter to enjoy a ride through the Plains Peanut Festival! And just a week before he turns 99.”

Jimmy Carter, currently in home hospice care since February, will be celebrating his 99th birthday on October 4. Rosalynn Carter, former first lady, is living with dementia. This summer, they celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary, continuing their reign as the nation’s longest-married first couple.

Reed Elliotte, a festival attendee from Kentucky, shared his admiration for Carter with WALB-TV, “It was amazing considering that he is in hospice care, and he is tough enough to come out here. In my opinion, he is one of the toughest men to serve as President, and he is my favorite.”

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Why It Matters: The Carter’s attendance at the festival comes as a surprise. In August, their grandson announced that the couple was in the “final chapter” of their lives. Jimmy Carter opted for home hospice care following several hospital stays while Rosalynn Carter was diagnosed with dementia.

A few days later, their grandson shared an update stating that the former President was “still very much Jimmy Carter,” embracing life under hospice care.

Photo Courtesy: Mark Reinstein On Shutterstock.com

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