Jimmy Carter and Rosalyn Carter’s grandson says ‘we’re in the final chapter’ in health update

CNN
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“Obviously we’re in the final chapter,” said former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn Carter’s grandson in an interview with The People on Saturday.

Jimmy Carter, 98, entered hospice care in February. The former president overcame a brain tumor in 2015, but faced a series of health concerns in 2019 that resulted in surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.

Josh Carter told People magazine that only family members and caregivers have recently visited the Carter family’s home in Georgia. But “there’s always someone at home who’s going to be with Mr. Carters,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the Carter Center declined to comment on the interview with CNN.

“He’s still totally Jimmy Carter,” Josh Carter said of his grandfather. “I mean, he’s almost 99 years old, but he fully understands[how many good intentions have been pouring in]and he feels the love.”

Meanwhile, Josh Carter said his grandmother, Rosalyn Carter, who has dementia, was aware of his diagnosis and agreed with the May press release announcing it.

“She still knows who we are and that we are family for the most part,” Josh Carter said. “My grandmother can still make new memories.”

The former president’s grandson told People it would be “hard” for Jimmy Carter to see his wife lose some of her memory, but added, “They’ve been through everything they could do together. ‘He said. I think the great thing is that they are still together. ”

“They are still holding hands…it’s really great,” added Josh Carter.

Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter have been married for 77 years, making them the longest-married presidential couple. Together, the Carter family has redefined what the First Family once was. After becoming president, Carter founded the Carter Center with his wife, Rosalyn, in hopes of promoting world peace and health. Over the years, the center has worked to advance democracy by monitoring foreign elections and reducing disease in developing countries.

Jimmy Carter is a longtime Habitat for Humanity volunteer. He was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to promote peace around the world.

Democrat Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer who entered politics after serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, eventually served one term as governor of Georgia and was president of the United States from 1977 to 1981.