Jimmy Carter’s Grandson Says That Days Out from 100th Birthday, He’s Still ‘Emotionally Engaged’ (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Jason and Jimmy Carter during a ribbon cutting of a solar panel project in Plains, Ga., on Feb. 8, 2017.Photo:David Goldman/AP

David Goldman/AP

Jason Carteris sharing a health update on his grandfatherJimmy Carterahead of the former president’s 100th birthday.In conversation with PEOPLE atthe “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song" birthday concerton Sept. 17, Jason offered new insight into his grandfather’s psyche and noted that while Jimmy isn’t physically able to do things, he’s still very much present.“He’s doing okay,” Jason said of the former president, who is turning 100 on Oct. 1.“I mean he’s been in hospice for over 19 months now and he has really physically diminished and can’t do much on his own, but he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving,” he added.Jason previously shared withSouthern Livingin June that the family’s 99-year-old patriarch isno longer awake every day, and that when hisfour children— Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy — make their frequent visits, they can’t always predict the state their father will be in."[He’s] experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process," Jason said at the time.He also noted during the interviewthat there has “really been no change” in Jimmy’s health after several months in hospice care.The former president — who set a new record for the nation’s longest-lived presidentwhen he turned 99— was put into hospice care beginning in February 2023 in the same Plains home he and his wifeRosalynn Carterbuilt in 1961. His beloved wifedied at home in November 2023 at the age of 96, and Jason said that his grandfather has been carrying on since then.“After77 years of marriage… I just think none of us really understand what it’s like for him right now,” Jason toldSouthern Livingin their early June conversation. “We have to embrace that fact, that there’s things about the spirit that you just can’t understand.”Former President Jimmy Carter at the funeral service for his wife, Rosalynn Carter, on Nov. 29, 2023.ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via GettyDespite Jimmy’s condition, his connections with his family have also never been stronger. Jasontold PEOPLE in September 2023that his grandfather’s extended time in hospice care has been an unforeseen boon for the Carter family."… Both because there’s been so much additional time that we’ve all gotten to spend together, but also because it’s given us this ability to reflect on our personal relationships and experience [an outpouring of love] from around the world," he said at the time.“These last several months have been surprising for all of us,” he added, “But it’s been a real blessing.“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.The former president was celebrated on Sept. 17 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta with several performances and celebrity guest appearances fromRenée Zellweger, Dale Murphy and Killer Mike.Former PresidentsGeorge W. Bush,Bill ClintonandBarack Obamaalso made virtual appearances to honor their predecessor, who had been activebuilding homesandteaching Sunday schoolfollowing his presidency.

Jason Carteris sharing a health update on his grandfatherJimmy Carterahead of the former president’s 100th birthday.

In conversation with PEOPLE atthe “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song” birthday concerton Sept. 17, Jason offered new insight into his grandfather’s psyche and noted that while Jimmy isn’t physically able to do things, he’s still very much present.

“He’s doing okay,” Jason said of the former president, who is turning 100 on Oct. 1.

“I mean he’s been in hospice for over 19 months now and he has really physically diminished and can’t do much on his own, but he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving,” he added.

Jason previously shared withSouthern Livingin June that the family’s 99-year-old patriarch isno longer awake every day, and that when hisfour children— Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy — make their frequent visits, they can’t always predict the state their father will be in.

“[He’s] experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process,” Jason said at the time.

He also noted during the interviewthat there has “really been no change” in Jimmy’s health after several months in hospice care.

The former president — who set a new record for the nation’s longest-lived presidentwhen he turned 99— was put into hospice care beginning in February 2023 in the same Plains home he and his wifeRosalynn Carterbuilt in 1961. His beloved wifedied at home in November 2023 at the age of 96, and Jason said that his grandfather has been carrying on since then.

“After77 years of marriage… I just think none of us really understand what it’s like for him right now,” Jason toldSouthern Livingin their early June conversation. “We have to embrace that fact, that there’s things about the spirit that you just can’t understand.”

Former President Jimmy Carter at the funeral service for his wife, Rosalynn Carter, on Nov. 29, 2023.ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty

ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty

Despite Jimmy’s condition, his connections with his family have also never been stronger. Jasontold PEOPLE in September 2023that his grandfather’s extended time in hospice care has been an unforeseen boon for the Carter family.

“… Both because there’s been so much additional time that we’ve all gotten to spend together, but also because it’s given us this ability to reflect on our personal relationships and experience [an outpouring of love] from around the world,” he said at the time.

“These last several months have been surprising for all of us,” he added, “But it’s been a real blessing.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The former president was celebrated on Sept. 17 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta with several performances and celebrity guest appearances fromRenée Zellweger, Dale Murphy and Killer Mike.

Former PresidentsGeorge W. Bush,Bill ClintonandBarack Obamaalso made virtual appearances to honor their predecessor, who had been activebuilding homesandteaching Sunday schoolfollowing his presidency.

source: people.com