Former President Jimmy Carter taught a Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia on August 23, 2015. A year after entering hospice care, Carter celebrated his 99th birthday, received tributes to his legacy, and outlived his wife of 77 years. Rosalynn Carter passed away in November 2023 after suffering from dementia, spending only a few days in hospice care.
Recently, Jimmy Carter turned 100 while in hospice care. His experience has been markedly different from that of most hospice patients, mirroring his unique life. Carter’s extensive career involved major historic events, peacemaking initiatives, and significant political actions. Throughout his journey, he relied on his faith for strength and comfort.
On his 99th birthday in February 2023, Carter entered hospice care. Typically, end-of-life care patients don’t survive beyond six months, but Carter has defied these odds. This past February, he celebrated one year in hospice care and his 100th birthday. His family expressed gratitude for the discussions about hospice care that his decision had inspired nationwide.
Carter’s career spanned agriculture, politics, and human rights. He is a devout Christian and has served as a Sunday School teacher. His faith gained national attention in 1976 when The New York Times described him as a committed evangelical Christian. However, his beliefs have diverged from contemporary evangelical stances, with Carter supporting the ordination of women and viewing homosexuality as not sinful. He distanced himself from the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000 due to its increasingly conservative stance.
Carter considered his wife an equal partner in all his achievements, crediting her with wisdom and encouragement. The Carters worshipped together at Maranatha Baptist Church and were involved in various humanitarian efforts.
Faith played a significant role in Carter’s public and private life. He openly described himself as a Christian and often cited scripture in speeches. His faith influenced key initiatives, such as the Camp David Accords, the transfer of the Panama Canal, and his support for Habitat for Humanity. His decisions were driven by a commitment to service and the welfare of others, guided by religious principles.
“My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have, to try to make a difference,” Carter once said.