Former president Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter are enjoying a “quiet and calm” life together at home in Plains, Georgia, as their grandson, Josh Carter, described in a new update.
“My grandparents have always been the entertainers. But now we’re kind of the ones having to entertain,” Josh revealed in an Aug. 19 interview with People. “It’s different, it’s just a different era.”
The 39-year-old grandson of the former first couple explained that “there’s always somebody at the house” with them, and it’s usually one of their kids—John William “Jack” Carter, 75, James Earl “Chip” Carter III, 72, Donnel Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter, 70, and Amy Lynn Carter, 55.
In February 2023, the family announced that Carter, 98, was transitioning into hospice care to spend the rest of his time at home with his family. Then in May, it was revealed that Rosalynn, 96, was diagnosed with dementia.
Despite their health struggles, Josh said that his grandparents are still together and present: “They are still holding hands … it’s just amazing.” He said of Carter, “He’s still fully Jimmy Carter. He’s just tired. I mean he’s almost 99 years old, but he fully understands [how many well wishes he’s received] and has felt the love.”
As for Rosalynn’s health, Josh said she is completely aware of her condition and signed off on the May announcement. He added, “She still knows who we are, for the most part — that we are family…My grandmother is still able to form new memories.”
Carter’s grandson further reflected on how Rosalynn’s condition affects the former president, noting that it has “gotta be hard” before considering, “but on the other hand, they’ve experienced everything that you can together. I think the beautiful thing is that they are still together.”
“It’s clear we’re in the final chapter,” declared Josh, before sharing that, once the Carters pass, it will be a comfort knowing that “they lived their lives to the fullest.”
Along with Josh, the Carters have numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they all seem to be very close.
Next: Who Are Jimmy Carter’s Kids? Meet the Former President’s Children and Grandchildren
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