Jimmy Carter, 99, is 'no longer awake' daily, says grandson as ex-president enters final days in hospice care

PLAINS, GEORGIA: Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and Georgia governor, is experiencing a significant decline in health and is no longer awake every day, according to his eldest grandchild, Jason Carter.

Carter's family remains steadfastly by his side, nearly a year-and-a-half after he entered end-of-life hospice care in February 2023.

Jimmy Carter entered hospice care in February 2023

In a recent conversation with Southern Living, Jason Carter revealed that the former president's health took a downturn following the death of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in November 2023 at the age of 96.

 "After 77 years of marriage… I just think none of us really understand what it's like for him right now," Jason said. "We have to embrace that fact, that there's things about the spirit that you just can't understand. [He's] experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process," reported Daily Mail.

Despite his declining health, Carter's children frequently visit him, although his alertness varies day to day. Jason emphasized that there has been "really no change" in the former president's health in recent months.

Even into his early 90s, Carter maintained an active lifestyle, often seen building homes and teaching Sunday school at his Baptist church as recently as 2020. However, he moved into hospice care 16 months ago at his home in Plains, Georgia, a residence he built with Rosalynn in 1961.

"[Plains] is the place that has given him the greatest support and it is the only place where he would go through this part of his life," said Jason, who lives in Atlanta. "That's his home in every way, and he really cherished that time and that support."

The Carters have deeded their property to the National Park Service, planning to turn their home into a museum upon his death. Carter was last seen publicly at his wife's memorial events in November, where he appeared in a wheelchair covered by a blanket, and has largely remained out of the public eye since ceasing medical intervention.

"He will be buried alongside her when he dies," Jason confirmed. "I think the fact that he and my grandmother both came from that small town — it's a 600 person village, really — and it's not near any interstate and it is truly out in the country and it is a fundamental part of who he is and who he has been for his whole life. There is no other place in the world that he would be at peace other than Plains."

"It is such an American story... to go to Plains and see the house that my grandparents built and lived in for all their time and came home to after being president. It is a really incredible story to go from that little town to the White House and back again," he reflected.

Netizens send best wishes for Jimmy Carter amid declining health

A user tweeted, "Whether he was bringing a nation together through his words and expressions of Peace or bringing contractors together to build homes for the less fortunate, Mr.Jimmy Carter will always be my president. I do not look forward to the day of his demise. Well done Mr. President."

Another added, "Praying that he’s comfortable and at peace. He’s the best of us."

A third said, "What a great man. What a gift he and Rosalyn have been."

"Lots of prayers," said a user.

"Rest easy Mr. President. Thank you for your service," read a tweet.

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