Former President Jimmy Carter arrives in wheelchair at late wife Rosalynn’s funeral

In a heart-rending moment of national attention, former President Jimmy Carter, aged 99, made a rare appearance at the memorial service for his late wife, Rosalynn Carter. This rare public outing from hospice care underscored not just a personal milestone but also brought to the forefront discussions on aging, illness, and end-of-life care. 

As the nation reflected on the enduring partnership of the Carters—a 77-year-long marriage marked by mutual respect and shared dedication to public service—the event also highlighted the broader implications of hospice care and the realities faced by those at the end of life.

A Poignant Farewell: Jimmy Carter Honors Rosalynn at Memorial Service

In a touching display of enduring love and respect, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter made a rare public appearance at the memorial service for his late wife, Rosalynn Carter. Despite his own health challenges, the 99-year-old former president left hospice care to attend the service held at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta, marking a significant and solemn moment. Wrapped in a blanket embroidered with his wife’s image, Carter arrived in a wheelchair, embodying a poignant symbol of his deep connection to Rosalynn.

The service was a heartfelt tribute to Rosalynn Carter, who passed away at the age of 96 after a remarkable life dedicated to public service and advocacy, particularly in the field of mental health. Notably silent during the ceremony, Jimmy Carter listened as their children and grandchildren commemorated Rosalynn’s legacy. “My mother was the glue that held our family together,” said their son, James “Chip” Carter, who affectionately kissed his father on the head before laying his hand on his mother’s flower-covered coffin.

The congregation, which included current and former presidents and first ladies, heard from their daughter Amy Lynn Carter. Fighting back tears, she read a love letter written by her father to her mother during his time in the U.S. Navy, revealing the depth of their lifelong romance: “My mum spent most of her life in love with my dad,” she told those gathered.

The ceremony not only celebrated Rosalynn’s life and contributions but also underscored the high regard in which she was held across the nation. The service included performances of her favorite music, such as John Lennon’s “Imagine” by country music stars Tricia Yearwood and Garth Brooks, adding a personal touch to the farewell.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s Lifelong Partnership

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s relationship stands as a testament to enduring love and shared commitment to service, marking significant milestones both personally and for the nation they served.

A Union Rooted in History

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s romance began in a small Georgia town and blossomed into a partnership that would traverse decades of public service. Married in 1946, their relationship reached an extraordinary 77 years, making them the longest-wed presidential couple in U.S. history. 

Their journey together began when Rosalynn was in college and Jimmy was on leave from the U.S. Naval Academy. From these early days, their connection was founded on mutual respect and shared values, which saw them through the highs and lows of a life in the public eye.

Rosalynn’s Role as First Lady

Rosalynn Carter redefined the role of the First Lady during her husband’s presidency from 1977 to 1981. Unlike her predecessors, she was not only a supportive wife but also a close advisor and active participant in governance. 

She was known for sitting in on Cabinet meetings and was deeply involved in policy, particularly in areas impacting mental health, community, and public welfare. Her advocacy for mental health was pioneering, bringing attention to a topic that was often ignored or stigmatized at the time.

Advocacy and Beyond

After leaving the White House, Rosalynn continued to champion causes close to her heart. She and Jimmy built a global network of charity activities, including their work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center, an organization dedicated to advancing human rights and alleviating human suffering. Her commitment to improving mental health care continued, as she sought to expand access to quality mental health services both in the United States and around the world.

Rosalynn’s impact was not confined to her lifetime of public service; it also extended into her personal influence on her family. As noted by her son Chip during the memorial service, she was “the glue that held our family together,” and she played a crucial role in helping him overcome his own struggles with drug and alcohol addiction.

Legacy of a Partnership

The Carters’ partnership was characterized by shared endeavors in public life and deep personal devotion. Rosalynn was not only Jimmy Carter’s wife but his equal partner in all his accomplishments. This dynamic was pivotal during Jimmy’s political career and especially during his humanitarian efforts post-presidency. Their collaborative spirit and mutual support exemplify a partnership that significantly shaped the social fabric of America.

Through their joint efforts and Rosalynn’s individual contributions, the Carters have left an indelible mark on both national and global stages. As we remember Rosalynn Carter, it is clear that her legacy is interwoven with the values and achievements of one of America’s most memorable partnerships.

Update on Jimmy Carter’s Health & Hospice Life

As former President Jimmy Carter navigates the complexities of end-of-life care, his family and the public continue to reflect on his resilience and the impact of his life’s work.

During the 28th Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum, Jimmy Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, provided an update on the former president’s health, reflecting on both the personal and public aspects of his journey. “My grandfather is doing OK,” Jason assured the audience. He detailed Jimmy Carter’s ongoing battle with health challenges, noting, “He has been in hospice, as you know, for some, almost a year and a half now. And he really is, I think, coming to the end.”

Jason highlighted the spiritual dimension of his grandfather’s journey, emphasizing the importance of faith in his life: “There’s a part of this faith journey that is so important to him. And there’s a part of that faith journey that you only can live at the very end, and I think he has been there in that space.”

A Family Supported by Community

The Carter family has found solace and strength in the community’s support following Rosalynn Carter’s passing. Jason expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love and support: “The outpouring of love and support that we as a family received from the people in this room, and from the rest of the world, was so remarkable and meaningful to us, and it really turned that whole process into a celebration.”

Jimmy Carter’s time in hospice care also underscores his family’s and the Rosalynn Carter Institute’s commitment to caregiving and hospice education. Jason recalled a light-hearted moment with his grandfather, saying, “He said, ‘Well, I don’t know myself,'” when asked how he was doing, illustrating the former president’s enduring humor and humility.

Raising Awareness Through Endurance

As the longest-lived American president, Jimmy Carter’s journey through hospice care has not only been a personal experience but also a public one. His endurance and approach to end-of-life care hope to drive greater awareness and understanding of hospice services. Hospice is defined as care aimed at reducing pain and discomfort for terminally ill patients, focusing on quality of life rather than curative treatment.

As he approaches his 100th birthday, Jimmy Carter continues to inspire with his resilience and dignity, embodying the principles he has lived by and leaving a lasting impact on those around him and beyond.

Understanding the Essentials of Hospice Care

As the conversation about end-of-life care gains prominence, partly due to high-profile cases like former President Jimmy Carter’s ongoing hospice experience, understanding what hospice entails is crucial for everyone.

Hospice care is designed for terminally ill patients who are in the final stages of their lives, providing a shift from curative treatments to symptom management and quality of life enhancement. To qualify for hospice care, a patient must be diagnosed by a physician as having six months or less to live. The care focuses on comfort, managing pain, and emotional and spiritual support rather than prolonging life.

A comprehensive team manages hospice care, usually comprising physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains or spiritual advisers. This team works together to address not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and their family. The process, known as “de-prescribing,” often involves weaning patients off medications intended to prolong life, to focus more on comfort and symptom control.

The Impact of Hospice Care

The experience of former President Jimmy Carter, who has been in hospice care for over a year, highlights both the challenges and the impacts of this type of care. Despite the general statistics from the National Institutes of Health indicating that over 90% of hospice patients pass away within six months of entering care, Carter’s case exemplifies the variability and unpredictability of end-of-life timelines. 

“Depending on the condition, some are much more difficult to offer prognoses,” explains Carla Bouwmeester, a clinical professor of pharmacy and health systems science. She notes that factors like changes in care or medication can sometimes stabilize a patient’s condition temporarily.

Hospice care also heavily focuses on the “psychosocial-spiritual” well-being of patients, ensuring that end-of-life care respects the patient’s and family’s cultural and spiritual beliefs. This holistic approach helps provide a more comforting and dignified end-of-life experience, reflecting the individual’s values and preferences.

Hospice and Public Perception

Jimmy Carter’s journey has also played a role in changing public perceptions about hospice care. The Carter family’s openness about their experience has sparked national conversations about the value of hospice, encouraging more families to consider this option sooner. 

“The thing about hospice care is that it’s generally underutilized,” says Bouwmeester. She suggests that earlier integration of hospice can prevent missed opportunities for enhancing the quality of life in a patient’s final days.

Legacy of Love and Leadership

As the memorial service for Rosalynn Carter closes and the conversations about Jimmy Carter’s hospice care continue, we are reminded of the profound influence both have had on the nation and beyond. Their partnership, characterized by deep affection and a commitment to service, leaves behind a legacy that transcends their personal losses and health battles. Through their joint efforts in advocacy, governance, and humanitarian work, the Carters demonstrated how shared values and mutual support can shape a more compassionate society.

This story is not just about marking the end of life but about celebrating the immense contributions that continue to ripple through communities and across generations. The national dialogue on hospice care, enriched by the Carter family’s openness, is a testament to their lasting impact on how we view and manage end-of-life care. As we reflect on their lives and legacies, we are encouraged to think about the quality of life, the importance of care, and the dignity of every individual in their final days.