In a somber announcement, former first lady Rosalynn Carter has joined her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, in home hospice care at their longstanding residence in Plains, Georgia. The couple’s grandson, Jason Carter, shared a brief statement on Friday, revealing that the pair is spending precious time with each other and their family during this challenging period. The Carter family has requested privacy and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
Longstanding Partnership:
Jimmy Carter, now 99, entered hospice care almost exactly nine months ago following a series of hospital stays. The Carters, married since 1946, have shared a life together, residing in the same home since 1961. The couple’s enduring partnership has spanned decades, and they continue to face life’s challenges side by side.
President Biden’s Revelation:
In March, President Joe Biden shared that he had been asked to deliver the eulogy for Jimmy Carter. During a Democratic Party fundraiser in Rancho Santa Fe, California, Biden reflected on spending time with the former president, noting that Carter’s resilience surpassed expectations due to a breakthrough in his care.
“I spent time with Jimmy Carter, and it’s finally caught up with him, but they found a way to keep him going for a lot longer than they anticipated because they found a breakthrough,” Biden stated. He revealed that Carter had personally asked him to deliver the eulogy, though Biden quickly acknowledged he “shouldn’t” have mentioned it publicly.
Oldest-Ever and Oldest-Living President:
Jimmy Carter holds the distinction of being the oldest-ever president and the oldest-living president. Despite his advanced age, Carter and Biden met briefly in April 2021 to mark the end of Biden’s first 100 days in office, showcasing the enduring connections and shared history among U.S. leaders.