Iconic humanitarian’s health remains a concern
Former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has entered hospice care. Carter, who is 98 years old, was admitted to the hospital earlier this week for an undisclosed reason.
The Carter Center, a non-profit organization founded by the former President and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, announced the news in a statement on Thursday. “Former President Jimmy Carter has entered hospice care,” the statement read. “He is resting comfortably and his wife, Rosalynn, is with him.”
The statement did not provide any additional details about Carter’s condition, but it did note that the former President and his family “appreciate the many well-wishes they have received and ask for privacy at this time.”
Carter, a Democrat, served as President from 1977 to 1981. He was known for his efforts to promote human rights and for his work on foreign policy issues, including the Camp David Accords, which led to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1978.
After leaving the White House, Carter continued to be active in public life, founding the Carter Center and working on a variety of humanitarian causes. He has also been an advocate for affordable housing and health care.
Despite his age, Carter has remained a visible and active figure in recent years, often participating in Habitat for Humanity building projects and other philanthropic efforts. In 2019, he became the oldest living former President in U.S. history, surpassing the record set by the late George H.W. Bush.
Carter’s health has been a topic of concern in recent years. In 2015, he announced that he had been diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, which had spread to his brain. After undergoing treatment, Carter announced in 2016 that he was cancer-free.
Carter has also suffered a number of falls in recent years, including a fall in 2019 that resulted in a hip injury. Despite these health challenges, Carter has remained resilient and continued to pursue his passion for public service.
The news of Carter’s entry into hospice care has prompted an outpouring of support and well-wishes from across the political spectrum.