Updated May 16, 2024 - Politics & Policy

"Remarkable" Jimmy Carter is "surprising us all," nonprofit CEO says

Rebecca Falconer

Former President Carter departs after the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter in Plains, Georgia, in November. Photo: Alex Brandon /Pool/AFP via Getty Images

The CEO of former President Carter's nonprofit said Wednesday there's been no major change in the 99-year-old's condition and he's "at home, enjoying peanut butter ice cream" during his hospice care.

The big picture: Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander made the comments during an interview with the AJC's "Politically Georgia" podcast a day after Carter's grandson was quoted as saying the oldest living U.S. president was "coming to the end," but "he's still there."

Jason Carter was quoted as making the comments at the Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum, named after the former first lady who died last November.
It was the first time the event had been held since the death of the 96-year-old mental health advocate, who was married to the 39th U.S. president for 77 years.

What they're saying: "There really hasn't been a significant change. I mean, he will always be one bad cold away from the end," Alexander said during the interview.

"He is in hospice care, and there are palliative measures if he's in pain, but nothing else," she added.
"He is just the same remarkable man. He has always been outliving and surprising us all."

Go deeper: Carter's year in hospice sheds light on end-of-life care option

Editor's note: This article has been updated with further context.

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"Remarkable" Jimmy Carter is "surprising us all," nonprofit CEO says

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