Former President Jimmy Carter’s Grandson Provides Update on Health During Mental Health Forum
In an emotionally charged address at the 28th Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum, Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, offered a candid update on his grandfather’s health status, providing insights into the family’s journey during challenging times.
Amidst an atmosphere of remembrance for the late Rosalynn Carter, whose passing in November 2023 deeply impacted the Carter family and the nation, Jason Carter expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support and love received from across the globe.
Transitioning to the topic of his grandfather’s well-being, Jason Carter revealed during his speech at the Carter Center’s Mental Health Forum that the former president, now 99 years old and the oldest living president, is “doing OK but nearing the end.”
Acknowledging the inevitability of this phase of life, he shared a poignant moment from a recent visit where Jimmy Carter himself expressed uncertainty about his condition.
Jason Carter further elaborated on their conversation, recounting his exchange with his grandfather during a Braves baseball game they watched together.
“I said, ‘Papa, you know, people ask me how you’re doing, and I say I don’t know.’ And he said, ‘Well, I don’t know myself,'” Jason shared, providing a glimpse into the intimate conversation between grandson and grandfather.
Despite the challenges posed by age and health, the Carter family remains resolute in their faith and commitment to one another. Jimmy Carter, who has been in hospice care since February 2023, chose to prioritize quality time with family over further medical interventions, a decision reflective of his enduring values and priorities.
Jason Carter’s update underscored the importance of communal support and empathy, highlighting the role of caregiving in both the Carter family’s journey and the broader context of mental health advocacy championed by The Carter Center.
The former president’s awareness of the public’s support serves as a source of strength and comfort, as evidenced by a recent visit where he and Jason shared a cherished moment watching a Braves baseball game together.
As the nation anticipates Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday later this year, his family’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.