Former President Jimmy Carter Appears At Local Festival Months After Entering Hospice Care

Twitter / Yes. It has two k’s.

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter visit Plains Peanut Festival.

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, made a surprise appearance at the Plains Peanut Festival in their hometown of Plains, Georgia. The couple, known for being the longest-married first couple, ventured out for a ride in a black SUV and were seen surrounded by neighbors and fans.

The Carter Center, an organization dedicated to promoting global health and democracy, shared a video on Twitter of the couple’s outing. In the video, the 98-year-old former president and the 96-year-old former first lady can be seen riding with the windows down, enjoying the festival’s festivities.

The caption reads, “Beautiful day for President & Mrs. Carter to enjoy a ride through the Plains Peanut Festival! And just a week before he turns 99. We’re betting peanut butter ice cream is on the menu for lunch! #JimmyCarter99.”

Beautiful day for President & Mrs. Carter to enjoy a ride through the Plains Peanut Festival! And just a week before he turns 99.

We’re betting peanut butter ice cream is on the menu for lunch!#JimmyCarter99 https://t.co/c3b9OqzjXU

— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) September 23, 2023

President Carter’s decision to enter hospice care.

This unexpected appearance comes seven months after President Carter’s decision to enter hospice care at his home, following multiple short hospital stays. At that time, he made the choice to not go back for more medical intervention but instead decided to spend the remainder of his life in the comfort of his own home. The specifics of his illness were not disclosed to the public out of respect for his wish for privacy.

“It was amazing considering that he is in hospice care, and he is tough enough to come out here. In my opinion, he is one of the toughest men to serve as President, and he is my favorite,” Reed Elliotte told WALB-TV.

However, it was revealed just this past May that former First Lady Rosalynn Carter had been diagnosed with dementia. Despite these health setbacks, the couple celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary in July.

According to Jason Carter, chairman of the Carter Center’s Board of Trustees, “They are together. They are at home. They’re in love, and I don’t think anyone gets more than that. I mean, it’s a perfect situation for this time in their lives. They’re both doing as well as can be expected.”

What’s always on our minds? The health benefits of listening to music. Perhaps President Jimmy Carter’s connection to legendary performers like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan is one key to his long life. He hits age 99 on Oct. 1. #JimmyCarter99 pic.twitter.com/9bKRAoZIrw

— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) September 23, 2023

President Carter has certainly faced his fair share of health complications over the years. In 2015, he confronted a melanoma cancer diagnosis that had spread to his liver and brain. Remarkably, he was declared cancer-free after successful treatment. In 2019, he suffered a black eye in a fall and was later hospitalized with a fractured pelvis from another fall.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter reflect on their 75 years of marriage in the video below.