Jimmy Carter’s grandson gives update one year after former POTUS, 99, entered hospice care

This week marks one year since former president Jimmy Carter entered hospice care, but the iconic statesman’s grandson insists his spirit remains as strong as ever.

Much has changed since Carter entered hospice care last February, a decision taken after a series of hospital stays to combat a host of growing issues. Jimmy’s wife Rosalynn passed away in November, and the ex-president himself has been greatly troubled by health problems in recent years, including brain cancer, liver cancer, a broken hip, and brain surgery.

Yet one year after entering hospice care, his grandson has given an update on Carter’s condition.

“After a year in hospice, on a daily basis, we have no expectations for his body. But we know that his spirit is as strong as ever,” Jason Carter told CBS Sunday Morning.

The Carter family as a collective also expressed their gratitude for all of the support Jimmy has received during the past year.

“One year after entering hospice care, President Carter continues to be at home with his family,” they said. “The Carter Family is grateful for the many expressions of love they have received and the continued respect for their privacy during this time.”

WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 04: Former US President Jimmy Carter listens during the kick-off of an all-week construction project to mark the World Habitat Day and the annual Habitat for Humanity Carter Work Project October 4, 2010 in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington, DC. Carter was recently released from an Ohio hospital after being treated for a viral infection. Under the project a total of 86 homes will be built, rehabilitated or repaired in Washington, DC; Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland; Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota; and Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The statement added: “The family is pleased that his decision last year to enter hospice care has sparked so many family discussions across the country on an important subject.”

Incredibly, Carter finds himself in the six percent of people who have lived more than a year after entering hospice care. As mentioned, his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, passed away in November aged 96, months after being diagnosed with dementia.

At the time, Jimmy’s doctor, Dr. Michael Raines, revealed his concern immediately following Rosalynn’s death, describing it as “such a big loss for him.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 06: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (L) and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter attend the 25th anniversary MusiCares 2015 Person Of The Year Gala honoring Bob Dylan at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 6, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The annual benefit raises critical funds for MusiCares’ Emergency Financial Assistance and Addiction Recovery programs. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

“Sometimes people that had been married for a long period of time, and they have a very strong dependency on each other, not only in love but in relationship and friendship when one of them passes away it’s not long until the other one goes,” he admitted.

Here’s to wishing Jimmy Carter peace in the days remaining to him. Leave a comment in the box provided if you’d like to join us in praying for him.