Jimmy Carter entered hospice care following a string of hospital visits and will now "spend his remaining time at home with his family."

The former US President took office in 1977 and served one term until 1981. At the age of 98, he is currently the country's oldest living leader, per BBC News.

Carter was preceded by Gerald Ford and then defeated by the later Republican President Ronald Reagen who succeeded him during the Iran hostage crisis.

The former president has been suffering from health issues, including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain.

Following a string of short hospital stays, Carter and his family have made the decision that he will enter hospice care at his home in Georgia to spend his remaining time surrounded by his family.

A statement issued by the Carter Center on Saturday (February 18) read: "After a series of short hospital stays, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention.

"He has the full support of his family and his medical team. The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers."

Hospice care is often sought by terminally ill patients who don't wish to go through any further medical treatment. The aim is to ensure that the patient is comfortable as they head towards the end of their life.

Jason Carter, the former president's grandson, tweeted that he had been to see his grandparents and gave an update on his grandfather's situation. "I saw both of my grandparents yesterday," the tweet began. "They are at peace and—as always—their home is full of love. Thank you all for your kind words."

Carter was born in 1924 and entered the world of politics in the 60s when he was elected as a state senator before rising to become the state's governor in 1971.

Just five years later, he would become the 39th president of the US but his lone term in office was hampered by issues both at home and abroad.

As reported by the BBC, an oil crisis heavily impacted the country, leaving many without employment with high inflation also being produced.

In 1979, the last Shah of Iran was overthrown which resulted in 66 Americans being held hostage in Tehran. The president introduced a trade embargo with the country and cut off diplomatic relations, but many didn't believe that he was being strong enough.

The hostages were held for 444 days and Carter oversaw a failed rescue mission that resulted in the death of eight US military members, seeing his stock back home plummet leaving Ronald Reagan to claim the next election.

His career was not without its highs, though, as he signed the Camp David Accords in 1978, which established a framework for peace in the Middle East. He also ensured that control of the Panama Canal was returned to Panama.

Following his time in office, Carter carried out humanitarian work with the Carter Center. This included brokering a cease-fire in Bosnia that led to a peace treaty.

In 2002, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts and would go on to set up The Elders - a group of world leaders who committed themselves to peace and human rights, which included Nelson Mandela.

Our thoughts are with Carter and his family at this time.

Featured image credit: Dinodia Photos RM / Alamy

Former US president Jimmy Carter is celebrating another milestone birthday today and has just turned 96.

According to a spokeswoman for the Carter Center in Atlanta, the longest-living president has planned to spend his special day at home in Plains, Georgia, with his wife of 74 years, Rosalynn Carter.

Carter has retreated largely from public life since undergoing a number of falls last year and because of the danger that the ongoing pandemic presents to him and his 93-year-old wife.

However, earlier in the pandemic, they did urge Americans to wear a facemask to save lives.

The couple made the recommendation through their non-profit organization, The Carter Center, letting people know about their wellbeing and how they are keeping safe as members of the "high risk" category.

They did so by sharing a picture of themselves on The Carter Center's Twitter, setting a good example by wearing masks.

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The picture of the couple, who recently celebrated their 74th anniversary, was captioned: "Please wear a mask to save lives."

And it was clear from reactions to the tweet that their 78,000 followers appreciated the message.

One person wrote: "God I love you both so much. You will always be my President. Thank you for always showing us that intellect, kindness and compassion can bring permanent positive change."

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A second remarked: "Stay safe

"You're both true humanitarians."

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Jimmy Carter held office from 1977-81 and survived a bleak cancer diagnosis in 2015, ABC News reports.

On Tuesday of this week, he endorsed his fellow Democrat, the Rev. Raphael Warnock, in one of two competitive Georgia US Senate races in the leadup to the 2020 election.

While the Carters remained neutral in the Democrats' 2020 presidential primary, they recorded audio addresses for the Democrats' virtual national convention endorsing Joe Biden, per ABC News.

"Joe Biden was my first and most effective supporter in the Senate," Carter told the convention. "For decades, he's been my loyal and dedicated friend."

Former US President Jimmy Carter has quietly celebrated his 97th birthday at home with his wife Rosalynn.

Press secretary Deanna Congelio at the Carter Center in Atlanta said that Carter, the oldest living former US president, is not planning on any public appearances, NBC News reports.

He is marking his 97th birthday at his home in southwest Georgia on October 1 with the former First Lady, 94.

Carter has been sent recorded messages to help him celebrate the event by workers at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in tiny Plains.

Members of the public can also send their good wishes to Carter too by signing his online birthday card at www.cartercenter.org.

The only birthday card is already full of early birthday greetings, many of which don't even mention Carter's democratic presidency from 1977 to 1981.

Well-wishers have instead used the birthday card as an opportunity to express their admiration for Carter's post-presidential life, which has seen the former president undertake volunteer work, write multiple books, and be an advocate for justice as well as teaching Sunday school for many years.

Carter and Rosalynn are pictured below in the White House.

"We love you for your honesty, consistency, and for being so articulate," said one message, per NBC News.

Another read: "Happy Birthday President Carter!

"Thank you for all that you've done for the people of the world. You've advanced peace, health, and human rights, as well as contributed to scholarship, education, and the environment. Thank you also for allowing me to accompany you on some of your inspiring projects."

A third said: "Happy Birthday Jimmy Carter! Thank you for being such a great Human, and I appreciate what you've done for this country and for Humanitarian causes."

Meanwhile, a fourth added: "Happy Birthday, President Carter! As a college student from Greece with a newfound interest in US political history for a year now you, your life, your Presidency and your outstanding accomplishments both in and out of office have influenced me to be a better and more humble person.

"You are an amazing human being and a true Christian. I hope you have the most amazing birthday. God bless you."

NBC News reports that Carter's quiet birthday could be a reflection of the loss recently suffered by his family, as his daughter-in-law Annette Davis Carter, the wife of Jeff Carter, recently passed away at the age of 68.

Featured image credit: Alamy / Storms Media Group

A 99-year-old Jimmy Carter has warmed the hearts of people across the nation after he made a two-hour trip from his hospice care in order to say goodbye to his late wife, Rosalynn.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Rosalynn Carter - a former First Lady of the United States - had sadly passed away at the age of 96.

The Carter Center revealed that Rosalynn died just two days after she entered hospice care at her home in Plains, Georgia. She leaves behind an enduring legacy of mental health advocacy and compassionate service.

Per The Independent, Jimmy made a two-hour 120-mile journey in order to attend the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church for the service.

Her life was honored at a tribute service on Tuesday in Atlanta, with many members of the Carter family in attendance, including former POTUS Jimmy Carter. Earlier this year, The Carter Center announced that the former president had entered hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, instead of receiving "additional" medical treatment after "a series of short hospital stays".

Due to the fact that Carter is no longer able to talk, the couple's daughter, 56-year-old Amy Carter, read a letter that her father had written for her mother 75 years ago while serving in the Navy.

The beautiful tribute service for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church. Credit: Pool / Getty"My darling every time I have ever been away from you, I have been thrilled when I returned to discover just how wonderful you are," the letter read. "While I'm away I tried to convince myself you could not be as sweet and beautiful as I remember.

"But when I see you, I fall in love with you all over again. Does that seem strange to you? It doesn't to me. Goodbye, darling. Until tomorrow, Jimmy."

Amy added during her eulogy: "My mom spent most of her life in love with my dad... Their partnership and love story was a defining feature of her life. Because he isn't able to speak to you today. I'm going to share some of his words about loving and missing."

Amy Carter, daughter of Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter, touches her mother's casket. Credit: Pool / GettyJimmy and Rosalynn had been married for 77 years until her death.

Amy was seen holding her father's hand while other family members delivered their eulogies. These included Amy's brother, James, who said to those in attendance: "My mother, Rosalynn Carter was the most beautiful woman I've ever met. And pretty to look at too."

"She saved my life," he added - referencing his battles with substance abuse.

Jason Carter, one of Jimmy and Rosalynn's grandsons, said: "My grandmother doesn't need a eulogy, her life was a sermon."

The service was one full of both laughter and tears, as people united to celebrate the life of the former First Lady.

Other former First Ladies in attendance were Melania Trump and Michelle Obama - who walked in together prior to taking their seats in the front row. Other guests included former First Ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, current First Lady Jill Biden, and the current President Joe Biden.

After seeing Jimmy Carter attend the service, people took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to praise the couple's love and dedication to one another.

"President Jimmy Carter attended his wife First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s tribute service today wrapped in a commemorative blanket with her face on it and chose the hymn 'Let their be peace on earth and let it begin with me.' An incredible human. Sending him love always," one person wrote. 

A second person added: "President Jimmy Carter, 99 years old, and in hospice care for nearly 10 months, traveled to Atlanta from Plains and made it to wife Rosalynn's funeral. That's how a real life love story ends. Respect."

Following Rosalynn Carter's death, The Carter Center released a statement paying tribute to his late wife. "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” he said. "She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me."

Our thoughts are with Carter's family and loved ones at this time.

Featured image credit: Pool / Getty