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.
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