Inside late Jimmy Carter's unforgettable bond with terminally ill boy Mattie Stepanek

PLAINS, GEORGIA: Former president Jimmy Carter and Mattie Stepanek, a boy diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, shared a remarkable connection that deeply impacted both of their lives.

Mattie’s admiration for Carter began at age six, setting off a bond that lasted until Mattie’s death at 13 in 2004.

Mattie first learned about Carter through news reports and described him as humble, a trait that resonated with the young boy.

Diagnosed with dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy, Mattie spent most of his life in a wheelchair and relied on medical equipment. When given the chance to make a last wish, Mattie chose to meet Carter.

Mattie Stepanek treasured Jimmy Carter’s humility and generosity

When Mattie Stepanek was offered a brief 15-minute call with Jimmy Carter as part of a hospital-organized wish, it led to a deeper connection than expected. Carter admired Mattie just as much as Mattie admired him.

The former president ended the call by asking if he could contact Mattie again.

"Mattie was like, 'Well, I am in the ICU so I don't have a phone.' So the president gave Mattie his private phone number, his private email, his private everything," Jeni Stepanek, Mattie’s mother, recalled to People.

Over time, Carter and Mattie developed a strong friendship, bonding over shared interests like baseball, practical jokes, and peace.

Jeni recalled, besides talking about nature and baseball, about nature. "They would talk about peace and challenges to peace..."

Jimmy Carter surprised Mattie Stepanek during a live show appearance

Seven months after their first phone call in 2001, Mattie Stepanek met Jimmy Carter on 'Good Morning America', unaware he was there, creating a heartfelt moment captured in television history.

Jeni recalled, "Mattie didn't know what to do with himself. This was the first time I saw my son be completely speechless."

During a commercial break, Mattie made a simple request, asking, "Can I touch you?" Carter responded by hugging him, said Jeni.

Mattie went on to publish seven best-selling books of poetry and essays, including one, 'Just Peace', written with Carter.

He died in June 2004 at age 13.

Jimmy Carter delivered Mattie Stepanek’s eulogy, calling him extraordinary

Jimmy Carter honored Mattie Stepanek’s memory by delivering his eulogy, describing him as "the most extraordinary person I have ever met."

Jeni, credits Carter for helping extend her son’s life, telling the publication, "If it hadn't been for Jimmy Carter, I think my son would have given up."

She added, "Instead, he lived until 2004. He didn't spend his year dying, even though his body was falling apart. He lived every moment." 

Carter also helped Jeni to cope with her son's death, telling, the former president "saved my life when I needed a reason to get out of bed."

Jimmy Carter supported Jeni Stepanek during her cancer treatment

Jeni Stepanek, who was later diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and cancer, said Jimmy Carter continued to support her during her chemotherapy treatments.

Carter, who was also undergoing cancer treatment at the time, made a habit of calling Jeni each morning before her sessions.

"He was always like, 'How's my sweetheart?'" Jeni said. She admired Carter’s commitment to helping others, describing his legacy as one of peace and humility.

"He continued to support — in his quiet humble, genuine, unassuming-but-authentic way — what matters most: peace and people," Jeni stated.

Reflecting on Carter’s decision to enter hospice care in February 2023, Jeni said it was difficult news. "I love this man, a dear friend."

"They both created their own legacy when they were alive. They didn't leave it up to us. They both wanted to be known for peace," Jeni said.

The 39th President of the United States died on Sunday, December 29, at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia. He was buried alongside his beloved wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter in Georgia home.

"A good man has returned Home... I will be ever-grateful for his love and mentorship, and for all the good he did for our world," Jeni wrote on Instagram.