(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) In an interview with People Magazine on Saturday, Josh Carter, 39, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, spoke openly about his grandfather’s current health status.
The Carter family has been grappling with the challenges that come with advancing age, as the 39th president of the United States, now almost 99 years old, enters what Josh described as “the final chapter.”
“It’s clear we’re in the final chapter,” Josh shared, his words carrying a blend of acceptance and emotional depth.
The Carter Center announced on February 18 that the former president had transitioned into hospice care, following numerous visits to the hospital.
“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,” the organization conveyed in a press release.
Josh spoke candidly about his grandparent’s life experience. “My grandparents have always been the entertainers, but now we’re kind of the ones having to entertain. It’s different, it’s just a different era.”
Despite his age, Josh shared that Carter’s character remains intact. “He’s still unmistakably Jimmy Carter,” Josh affirmed.
The conversation also brought to light the poignant journey of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who confronts dementia. “She still knows who we are, for the most part — that we are family,” Josh shared. “My grandmother is still able to form new memories.”
The Carter family announced that the former first lady was diagnosed with dementia three months after the announcement of the former president’s hospice news.
Acknowledging the imminent reality, Josh acknowledged the statistical probability that his grandfather’s passing may precede his grandmother’s. “He’s in hospice care and she’s not, and it’s just math.”
Josh fondly recalled cherished family traditions, with a special mention of New Year’s gatherings. “We used to get together every year for New Year’s,” he recounted. “Every year we got together our entire family and would go somewhere amazing. … And those family trips are one of my most cherished memories.”
“[T]hey lived their lives to the fullest,” Josh concluded, encapsulating the lasting impact of an extraordinary couple’s historical journey.
