Loved by millions for his humble personality, Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States of America never took any advantage of post-presidential popularity.
Besides the position he once held, Carter, as well as his wife of many years, Rosalynn, lead a very normal and modest life, and it has always been like that.
They both have been part of the Habitat for Humanity for many years and helped renovate around 4,300 houses in 14 different countries. In February, his foundation, The Carter Center, released a statement that left many devastated. After a few hospital visits, former President Carter has been admitted to hospice.
“After a series of short hospital stays, former US President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. He has the full support of his family and his medical team.”
Over the years, he has dealt with several serious health issues, including brain cancer. In 2019, he underwent brain surgery to remove mounting pressure.
Now his grandson, Hugo Wentzel, who was recently eliminated from the ABC reality show Claim to Fame, provided a health update on his grandparents. “He always wants to be doing something with his mind, so he’s trying to keep himself busy, but he is really sick and getting older,” Wentzel told EW, speaking of his grandpa.
“He’s an amazing grandpa. Honestly, I love him so much. I call him Papa,” Wentzel shared with his fellow contestants. “He led America and my family very well. I stand for everything he stands for. He believes in equality for everyone, regardless of race, class, gender, anything. He’s just an amazing person. I aspire to be like him one day.”
Wentzel then mentioned former president Carter’s health. “I also want to say that he’s recently been put into hospice because he has been very sick. It was really sad. I love you so much, Papa. You were amazing and I will do everything I can to keep your legacy alive. Lead with love. That’s all I got to say.”
Sadly, it has been “harder and harder” to see his grandpa receiving hospice care during the last months.
“My mom spends a lot of her time with him. She spends almost half her time taking care of him at this point just because of things like COVID regulations. So it’s really family oriented. I haven’t been seeing him as much recently, but he knows that I love him and we’re supporting him through this time,” Wentzel added.
“He’s pretty sick,” the grandson further explained. “He still does use his brain. He listens to audiobooks. He’s a genius. He’s super smart. I love him. He always wants to be doing something with his mind, so he’s trying to keep himself busy, but he is really sick and getting older.”
Wentzel then spoke of his loving grandma and said that she has dementia and that she often forget things, but she then remembers. “I just want to say that she’s an amazing woman. She’s put in so much work in her life. She’s done things for mental health. I want everyone to know how incredibly important and beautiful she is as a person and a grandma.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jimmy Carter and his family as they remain by his side during this particularly difficult time.