At the 28th Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum, Jason Carter shared a poignant update about his grandfather, former President Jimmy Carter.
He expressed the uncertainty surrounding his grandfather’s condition with a quote that resonated deeply, “People ask me how you’re doing, and I say, ‘I don’t know.’ And he said, ‘Well, I don’t know myself.'”
The Carter Center’s Legacy
While addressing the audience about the Carter Center’s ongoing efforts and global impact, Jason also touched upon his personal experiences with his grandparents.
His reflections offered a glimpse into the intimate aspects of their lives, particularly in these challenging times.
Life in Hospice Care
Jimmy Carter, aged 99, has been living under hospice care at his home in Georgia for over a year.
This period follows closely after the death of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, with whom he shared 77 years of marriage.
Jason highlighted the strength and resilience of his grandfather despite the trying circumstances, noting, “My grandfather is doing OK. He has been in hospice, as you know, for almost a year and a half now.”
Reflecting on Faith and End of Life
Jason shared a touching insight into his grandfather’s current state, emphasizing the spiritual journey that accompanies the final stages of life.
“He really is, I think, coming to the end that, 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,” he explained.
This statement mirrors his previous comments made during a similarly somber occasion, Rosalynn’s funeral.
Community Support and Legacy
The Carter family has found great comfort in the outpouring of love and support from both their community and from people around the world.
This support was especially palpable during the loss of Rosalynn, whose burial site is poignantly visible from their family home in Plains—a home steeped in decades of shared memories and public service.
Jason’s recount of this support underscores the deep bonds and the lasting impact of his grandparents’ legacy on the world.
