Jimmy Carter’s grandson shares that his grandfather is still following the news as he nears 100
Jason Carter, the eldest grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, reported that his grandfather is experiencing significant physical challenges after more than 18 months in hospice care. Despite this, he is actively keeping up with the 2024 election as he approaches his centennial birthday.
According to Jason Carter in an interview with YSL News, the former president has limited physical activity these days. However, he has become increasingly aware of current events in recent months, particularly those affecting the family.
“He’s clearly following American politics and keeping an eye on the situation in Gaza, both issues that resonate deeply with him,” Jason shared.
It’s no surprise that Carter remains attentive to developments in the Middle East. During his presidency, he played a significant role in achieving the Camp David Accords, which led to a historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. The Carter Center, a humanitarian organization founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in the 1980s, issued a call for a cease-fire in Gaza amid last year’s conflict between Israel and Hamas.
On the home front, as he nears his 100th birthday on October 1, the former president has expressed a desire to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the crucial 2024 election.
Earlier this month, Jason Carter, who chairs the Board of Trustees for the Carter Center, spoke at the Democratic convention and mentioned that his grandfather wished he could attend but felt that Harris has continued his legacy effectively.
Jason Carter emphasized that he wanted to convey his grandfather’s message this year: “My grandfather’s political legacy is rooted in integrity, honesty, and a commitment to understanding and respecting individuals across the political spectrum.”
He also expressed criticism toward former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, accusing him of straying from these values.
“Making connections and sharing the truth while addressing real issues by centering regular people has defined my grandfather’s approach. I believe Kamala Harris and Tim Walz embody this too,” Jason Carter noted.
Jason Carter mentioned that Harris reached out to the Carter family several times after Jimmy entered hospice and following the passing of Rosalynn last year: “Her calls weren’t motivated by political interests, but stemmed from genuine condolences and admiration,” he said.
“Her outreach demonstrated a level of humanity and empathy that I personally appreciated,” he added.
Celebrating a big birthday with a concert
The Democratic convention isn’t the only significant event planned by the Carter family this year.
The Carter Center is hosting a concert on September 17 to celebrate Jimmy Carter’s milestone birthday, showcasing artists from D-Nice to the Drive-By Truckers, along with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus.
Jason Carter shared with YSL News that organizing a concert felt like a fitting tribute.
“Music has always been meaningful to my grandfather. It has served as a personal journey of understanding the world and as a way to unite people,” Jason noted, highlighting his grandfather’s longstanding admiration for musicians like the Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson.
