Rosalynn Carter, the wife of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, has entered hospice care at home, according to a statement released by the Carter Center. The 96-year-old former first lady is now receiving end-of-life care alongside her 99-year-old husband at their residence in Georgia. The statement, issued on behalf of Jason Carter, the grandson of the couple, expressed gratitude for the support and requested privacy for the Carter family during this time.
Rosalynn Carter, who married Jimmy Carter in 1946, more than three decades before he became the 39th president, was diagnosed with dementia in May, as announced by the Carter Center. Her health status has been kept relatively private since then.
Jimmy Carter, a one-term president and former Georgia governor, entered home hospice care in February after opting not to pursue further medical intervention for various health issues. His medical history includes the removal of a liver mass in 2015 and the announcement of melanoma that had spread to his brain. After successful treatment, he declared himself cancer-free but faced subsequent health challenges, including falls, bleeding on the brain, and a hip replacement at the age of 94.
Both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have faced familial challenges with cancer. Jimmy’s three younger siblings died of pancreatic cancer between 1983 and 1990, and his father and mother also succumbed to the same disease in 1953 and 1983, respectively.
Jason Carter, at his grandfather’s 99th birthday celebration last month, praised the couple for their longevity and down-to-earth nature, emphasizing that despite their significant accomplishments, they remained true to their roots as a south Georgia couple.
Rosalynn Carter’s health has been a topic of concern since her dementia diagnosis, but the Carter Center had remained silent on the matter until the recent announcement of her entry into hospice care. The May statement highlighted her lifetime advocacy for mental health and the founding of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, emphasizing the universality of caregiving and the need for increased awareness and support.
As the nation watches the couple navigate this challenging time, the Carter family has appealed for understanding and respect for their privacy as they continue their journey. Source thedailycourierng news