Jimmy Carter has made an incredibly rare appearance as of late, following news that he has entered hospice care.
The former US President and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, are in the “final chapter” of their astonishing, much-documented lives, according to their grandson, Josh.
It was earlier this year, in February, that it was revealed that Carter would be receiving hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, after a number of hospital stays.
Jimmy Carter enters hospice care
Carter’s foundation announced back then that he had decided not to pursue further treatment options and wished instead to be comfortable in his own home.
“After a series of short hospital stays, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention,” a statement from the organization read at the time.
Though initial reports gave the impression that Carter had perhaps only days or weeks to live, the former US president and his wife Rosalynn, who was earlier this year diagnosed with dementia, continue to enjoy life in spite of their respective situations.
The couple’s grandson, Josh Carter, told CNN: “He’s still fully Jimmy Carter. I mean he’s almost 99 years old, but he fully understands [how many well wishes he’s received] and has felt the love.”
As per Fox News, the Carters have been able to spend their time in hospice care engaging in activities that bring them joy. Josh revealed that his famous grandfather likes eating ice cream and spending regular time with his family.
Jimmy Carter makes rare appearance
Though, despite coming to the end of his life, one thing Carter, 98, reportedly could not do was miss his hometown’s annual Peanut Festival, which he came out of hospice care to attend with his wife of 77 years.
A video shared to social media by The Carter Center shows the Carter and his 96-year-old wife riding through the festival in the backseat of a black SUV.
“We’re betting peanut butter ice cream is on the menu for lunch,” video was captioned, an apparent nod to the 39th president’s favorite ice cream flavor.
Carter has long been associated with peanuts, given that his family had a peanut-growing business.
It’s truly lovely to see the former President and his wife enjoying their final days together.
If you love to learn about Jimmy Carter, perhaps you’d be interested in reading this piece on how he celebrated his 77th wedding anniversary earlier this year.