He is best known for pardoning draft dodgers of the Vietnam War, as well as establishing the Department of Education and Department of Energy.
How is Jimmy Carter doing?
On October 1, 2023, Jimmy Carter celebrated his 99th birthday, making him the oldest living former US president.
A few months prior, in February 2023, it was revealed that his health had started to decline and that he entered hospice care.
“After a series of short hospital stays, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention,” The Carter Center said in a statement that was posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“He has the full support of his family and his medical team.”
The post concluded: “The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers.”
In August 2023, Jimmy’s grandson, Josh Carter, sat down with People to give an update on his grandfather’s condition, revealing that “we’re in the final chapter.”
“My grandparents have always been the entertainers,” Josh explained.
“But now we’re kind of the ones having to entertain. It’s different, it’s just a different era.”
While the former president might be slowing down in his old age, Jose assured Americans that he is still the same man who was elected all those years ago.
“He’s still fully Jimmy Carter,” Josh continued.
“He’s just tired. I mean he’s almost 99 years old, but he fully understands [how many well wishes he’s received] and has felt the love.”
Despite being alert, Josh concluded: “It’s clear we’re in the final chapter.”
The former president’s grandson, Jason Carter, gave a brief update on his grandfather’s health at a mental health forum on May 14, 2024.
CNN reports that Jason said, “[My grandfather] is doing OK.
“He has been in hospice, as you know, for almost a year and a half now, and he really is, I think, coming to the end.
“As I’ve said before, there’s a part of this faith journey that is so important to him, and there’s a part of that faith journey that you only can live at the very end and I think he has been there in that space.”
The younger Carter also recalled a conversation he had with his grandfather.
“I said, ‘Pa Pa … people ask me how you’re doing and I say I don’t know.’
“And he said, ‘Well, I don’t know myself.’ And so, he’s still there,” he said.
When was Jimmy Carter President of the US?
Jimmy was elected president in 1976, beating out incumbent President Gerald Ford.
One of the biggest points of emphasis for the administration was the energy crisis facing America.
In the last year of his presidency, Jimmy was faced with the Iran Hostage Crisis, which partially contributed to his failed re-election bid.
52 Americans were held hostage for over 400 days in Iran and were immediately freed upon Ronald Reagan’s presidency.
Is Jimmy Carter married?
For 77 years, Jimmy was married to Rosalynn Carter.
The pair tied the knot in 1946 and were together up until her November 2023 death.
Outside of being known as the former First Lady, the 96-year-old was known for her career as a writer and activist.
Over the years, Rosalynn was an advocate for numerous causes, including mental health.
After tying the knot, the Carters welcomed four children, daughter Amy Carter and sons Jack, Donnel, and James Carter.
Rosalynn’s funeral was held on November 28, and Jimmy was seen alongside several political leaders paying tribute to his late wife.
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” President Carter said in a statement after her death was announced.
“She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”
Her death came just months after she had been diagnosed with dementia.