Jimmy Carter's grandson says he's got good days but is 'not that active': 'I just think he's stubborn'

Despite initial expectations that he would only live for weeks, Jimmy Carter’s resilience and faith continue to sustain him
UPDATED DEC 6, 2024
Jimmy Carter's grandson said his stubbornness and not giving up on anything is keeping him alive (Getty Images)
Jimmy Carter's grandson said his stubbornness and not giving up on anything is keeping him alive (Getty Images)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Jimmy Carter's grandson believes his stubbornness is a key factor that is keeping him alive.

Despite initial expectations that he would only live for weeks, Carter’s resilience and faith continue to sustain him.

Jason Carter highlights Jimmy Carter’s faith and determination

Jason Carter, who appeared on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's 'Politically Georgia' podcast on Monday, December 2, shared that his grandfather's willpower has kept him going.

He discussed how the former president’s Christian faith plays a role in his longevity.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 3: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter receives delivers a lecture on the
Jimmy Carter delivers a lecture on the eradication of the Guinea worm at the House of Lords on February 3, 2016, in London (Eddie Mullholland-WPA Pool/Getty Images) 

“We are not the ones responsible for when and how people leave this world in this kind of a way, and his faith story is one that has been important to him, and this is another part of that,” Jason said during the podcast.

Jason Carter reveals Jimmy Carter 'pretty active' on some days

Jason Carter also said that Jimmy Carter's lifelong determination is another key factor.

“On a more personal level, I just think he’s stubborn. I mean, he’s never given up on anything in his life and he’s not going to start now,” Jason said, according to People

“He’s got big, good days where he’s pretty active, he’s up and active and talking and enjoying, including in politics," Jason said.

"But most days he’s not that active, he’s going to sleep a lot of the time,” he added on the podcast. 

Jimmy entered hospice care in February 2023, with family members originally believing he had only days or weeks to live.

Since then, he has made a few public appearances, including at the funeral of his wife Rosalynn Carter.


PLAINS, GA - NOVEMBER 29: Former President Jimmy Carter greets people as he leaves after the funeral service for his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Photo by Alex Brandon - Pool/Getty Images)
Jimmy Carter greets people as he leaves after the funeral service for his wife, Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 29, 2023, in Plains, Georgia (Alex Brandon - Pool/Getty Images)

Josh Carter describes Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday celebration

Jimmy Carter turned 100 on October 1, 2023, and celebrated the special day with his family at home. Josh Carter, another grandson of the former president, shared that it was a day filled with love.

“On his actual birthday, we went down to see him,” Josh said, adding “It was my family, a lot of my cousins. He had a houseful of his kids, his grandkids, his great-grandkids.”


ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 30: Former president Jimmy Carter prior to the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Jimmy Carter is seen prior to the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 30, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

He added that the great-grandchildren helped blow out the birthday candles. “The whole day was a big celebration of his family, and we wanted to be there and remind him, ‘This is what you built',” he said.

Notably in October, he filled out his absentee ballot for Kamala Harris, an event that his son Chip Carter described as a bright moment.

“I’m only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris,” Jimmy reportedly told one of his children.

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