Rosalynn Carter, wife of former President Jimmy Carter, has entered hospice care at their Georgia residence. She joined her 99-year-old husband in end-of-life treatment.
The Carter Center released a brief statement on behalf of Jason Carter, the couple’s grandson. It expressed that Rosalynn Carter is spending time with her family, and they continue to request privacy.
The news follows Rosalynn’s dementia diagnosis in May, which the Carter Center had announced. Jimmy Carter, a one-term president, entered home hospice care in February, having declined further medical intervention. The couple has faced health challenges over the years, with Jimmy Carter overcoming cancer and enduring multiple falls and surgeries.
Married in 1946, the Carters entered the White House in 1977 after Jimmy Carter’s election as the 39th president. Rosalynn Carter, known for her advocacy work on mental health, founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. In May, the Carter Center acknowledged her contributions to mental health advocacy. They emphasized the importance of addressing caregiving challenges and breaking down stigmas associated with mental health.
The Carter family has a history of health challenges. Jimmy Carter had a mass removed from his liver in 2015. He also underwent treatment for melanoma that had spread to his brain. Despite these difficulties, Jason Carter highlighted his grandparents’ longevity and achievements during Jimmy Carter’s 99th birthday celebration last month. He noted their ability to remain grounded despite their accomplishments, attributing their resilience to their roots in a small Georgia village.
The Carter Center has been relatively quiet about Rosalynn Carter’s health since May. However, the recent update on her entry into hospice care marks a significant development. The family’s privacy request indicates a desire to navigate this challenging period away from public scrutiny. The statement recognizes the universality of caregiving and aims to contribute to important conversations about the joys and challenges families face in caregiving roles.
The former first lady and ex-president spend time together in hospice care. This news resonates with their family and among Americans who have admired the Carters’ contributions to public service. Their enduring commitment to each other stands as a testament to their bond. Their legacy in shaping conversations around mental health and caregiving further emphasizes the significance of this chapter in their lives.
As Rosalynn Carter enters hospice care at the family’s Georgia residence alongside her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, it marks a poignant moment in their storied lives. The couple, known for their enduring commitment to public service and advocacy, faces this chapter with privacy and gratitude for the outpouring of support.
Their health challenges, from Jimmy Carter’s battle with cancer to Rosalynn’s dementia diagnosis, underscore their resilience. The Carter family’s request for privacy and acknowledgment of the universal challenges of caregiving reflect the couple’s longstanding dedication to mental health advocacy. As the nation watches, the Carters navigate this phase with grace, leaving an indelible mark on conversations about aging, health, and the shared experiences of caregivers across the country.
