Jimmy Carter’s Grandson Shares Update on Former President

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

As I delve into the inspiring story of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, I am struck by the profound wisdom and dedication that emanates from their lives. Their 75-year marriage is a testament to the power of love, understanding, and mutual respect.


Jimmy Carter is gearing up for an incredible milestone.

Previously, the former President moved into hospice care in February 2023. More recently, his grandson, Jason Carter, has shared that despite approaching his historic 100th birthday in October, the 99-year-old is currently in a stable condition and doing well.

Jason shared with People on September 17 that the individual has been in hospice care for about 19 months now, and physically, they’ve significantly weakened to the point of needing assistance. However, he remains emotionally connected and continues to have meaningful experiences, even finding reasons to laugh and love.

Previously in June, Jason shared an update about his grandfather’s health with Southern Living. He mentioned that there had been no significant change in his condition since moving to hospice in Plains, GA, back in February 2023. However, he also expressed how the passing of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter last November at the age of 96 was affecting his grandfather, stating that despite the circumstances, his grandfather is doing his best to navigate through this process, feeling the world as well as he can.

Following 77 years of marriage, Jason commented, ‘I don’t believe any of us truly grasp his current situation.’ We should accept, he said, that there are aspects of the spirit which remain beyond our comprehension.

Even though he wasn’t always conscious, the 39th President continued to have regular visits from his family members, including sons John William “Jack” Carter, James Earl “Chip” Carter III, Donnel Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter, and daughter Amy Carter.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

Among the 22 grandchildren, Jason, being the oldest, recounted a heartwarming interaction he had with his grandfather during their meeting earlier in the year.

Jason explained, “When someone asks me about Pawpaw’s well-being, I usually respond honestly that I’m unsure,” he disclosed. Then, Pawpaw seemed to smile and echoed, “To be honest, I’m not sure about myself either.

Keep reading for a look at Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s incredible life of public service.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

A striking photograph of Jimmy Carter, then a young naval officer, and his bride Rosalynn from their early days, is prominent at the Plains High School Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in their native Georgia town.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

The Carters were capable of experiencing an intimate instant, regardless of being surrounded by thousands of spectators during the Democratic National Convention in 1976.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

Jimmy and Rosalynn were accompanied at the DNC by their daughter Amy Lynn Carter, eldest son John William “Jack” Carter, as well as third son Donnel Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter who came with his wife Annette Davis.

 Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

On Election Night in 1976, the couple, who were gathered with family in Atlanta, eagerly watched the results and shared a warm embrace when they learned that Jimmy Carter had been elected as the 39th President of the United States.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

Following Jimmy’s inauguration on January 20, 1977, the president and first lady graced multiple inaugural balls with their elegant strides. Notably, Rosalynn donned a gown she had previously worn to the inauguration balls for her husband’s governorship in 1971, causing a few surprised glances. However, Jimmy proudly supported his wife, expressing in his book “A Full Life” that he was incredibly proud of her beauty and grace.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

Amy Lynn Carter, aged nine, along with her Siamese cat Misty Malarky Ying Yang and her dog Grits, resided in the White House beginning in January 1977.

Jimmy was the first U.S. president since Theodore Roosevelt (with no president following suit) who sent his child to a public school. Specifically, he enrolled his daughter, Amy, at Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School in Washington, D.C.

However, if the Internet existed back in October 1980, this moment from President Carter’s debate with Ronald Reagan could have gone viral as a meme: During their one debate, Carter referenced a conversation he had with his then-13-year-old daughter Amy before the event. She expressed her view on what she believed was the most significant issue, stating it was nuclear weaponry and the management of nuclear arms.

In simpler terms, after delivering a speech, supporters of Reagan in Milwaukee chanted “Amy! Amy!” two days later. Reagan jokingly reminisced, saying, “I recall when Patti and Ron were just small children. We often discussed the topic of nuclear energy back then.

“Amy’s bumper stickers proved profitable for Republican organizations in no time, and she even graced the stage of The Tonight Show. Host Johnny Carson quipped humorously, ‘Tonight’s monologue will be substantial as I asked Amy Carter about the most significant issues to poke fun at.’

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

By the time Jimmy became president, it’s possible that the Carters already had a young daughter, in addition to their three daughters-in-law. The majority of the family then relocated to Washington.

In Georgia, Jack, along with his spouse Judy Langford, had a son named Jason James Carter on August 7, 1975. Their daughter Sarah Rosemary was born on December 19, 1978. After their separation, Jack got married to Elizabeth Brasfield, who already had two children, on May 15, 1992.

James Earl “Chip” Carter III, the Carters’ second son, held a position at the Democratic National Committee in Washington during his father’s term in office. On Inauguration Day, he moved into the White House with his wife, Caron Griffin, who was eight months pregnant. Despite her advanced pregnancy, she joined the rest of the family for a brief walk along the parade route when President Carter and the First Lady decided to make an unusual choice by walking the entire 1.5 miles from the Capitol to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Along the parade path, upon spotting us marching, spectators started cheering and crying out, creating a deeply moving scene that touched us too. (Jimmy penned this down later.)

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

In February 1977, James Earl Carter IV, the son of Chip and Caron, was born. It was announced in August that year that Chip would be going back to Plains, while his wife and child would stay with the first family. Chip and Caron officially separated in 1978. Later, Chip married Ginger Hodges and their daughter, Margaret Alicia Carter, was born on September 23, 1987.

Chip’s been married to third wife Becky Payne since 2001.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

On April 6, 1975, Jeff, the Carters’ third-born son, wed his beloved college partner Annette Davis. They subsequently resided at the White House during Jeff’s time at George Washington University.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but marvel at the beautiful family Jeff and Annette built together. They had three incredible sons: Joshua Jeffrey (born in ’84), Jeremy Davis (who left us too soon in ’15), and James Carlton (b. 1991). Their bond remained unbroken until Annette’s passing on Sept. 19, 2021.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

Rosalynn was her husband’s number-one confidante when he was president—and forever after.

“It’s a full partnership,” Carter told the AP in 2021 of his then-75-year marriage.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

Jimmy and Rosalyn remain in sync at the White House in January 1979.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

Amy, in the year 1995, was a mother to her firstborn child, Hugo, who was born in 1999, with her former husband James Gregory Wentzel. Later, she had another son named Errol Carter Kelly with her current partner since 2007, John Joseph “Jay” Kelly.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

The house Jimmy and Rosalynn built in 1961 and have lived in ever since remained the gathering spot for the whole family.

The Carters are also proud great-grandparents to Jason’s sons Henry and Thomas, along with their wife Kate; Sarah’s daughter Josephine, together with her husband Brendan Keith Murphy; Margaret’s daughter Alicia, with her spouse Harold Edward Carter; Joshua’s sons Charles and Jonathan, accompanied by their wife Sarah; and James’ daughter Rayna Rose, who is with her partner Anna.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

It’s no wonder they earned the nickname “first lovebirds.”

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

Jimmy knew a thing or two about keeping the peace.

Each day, it is essential for couples to foster dialogue and mend their relationships, as the laureate of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize emphasized to AP. They should not let any unresolved issues linger before going to bed.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

As much as I enjoy sharing activities with Jimmy, I also believe it’s crucial for each of us to have our individual spaces, which is truly essential.

 Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

In an interview with People in 2019, Carter put it this way: “Living until you’re 95 isn’t easy. I believe the key is marrying a wonderful partner who takes care of you, stimulates your mind, and keeps you active and engaged in life.

Jimmy Carter's Grandson Shares Update on Former President

In 2019, Jimmy shared with People that one of Jesus’ teachings resonated strongly with him: If you possess any abilities or skills, strive to use them to help others. This is something that Rosa and I have aimed to emulate throughout the nearly four decades we’ve dedicated to volunteering and advocating for Habitat for Humanity.

Over time, the Carters’ direct role in construction diminished, but they remained closely associated with the organization. This group is known for constructing affordable homes and providing zero-interest mortgages to individuals who might not otherwise have the means to buy a house.

As a dedicated admirer, I find myself acknowledging that our mental prowess, mine and Rosa’s, is remarkably close to its former glory. However, it’s no secret that our endurance and physical might have their limitations. Yet, we never shy away from keeping ourselves engaged and strive to excel in whatever tasks we undertake.

Over the course of many years, they became extremely skilled at using tools, leading them to accidentally demolish their own bedroom wall while undertaking a home improvement project in Plains during a later stage of their lives.

In 2018, Rosalynn shared with the Washington Post that due to our extensive collaboration with Habitat, working with them had become as familiar as a natural habit.

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2024-09-19 00:19