Jimmy Carter Continues to Leave a Legacy of Humility and Grace in His Final Days

Former President Jimmy Carter in Hospice Care:
Reflections on Legacy, Humility, and Grace

Former President Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived U.S. president, has been in end-of-life care at home since February. Three months into hospice, his grandson Jason Carter reports that the former president remains in good spirits and is aware of the tributes being paid to him. He continues to enjoy spending time with family, eating peanut butter ice cream, and staying informed of The Carter Center’s humanitarian work around the world.

A Life of Service

President Carter is known for his four years of presidency from 1977-81, but his broader legacy lies in his lifelong pursuit of peace, social justice, and humanitarian work. Despite being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter remains humble, grounded by faith, and focused on his philanthropic aspirations. The Carter Center, founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in 1982, has championed human rights globally, with successful programs for global health, freedom, democracy, and conflict resolution.

The Carter Center has been on the frontline of the fight against Guinea worm disease, a parasitic infection that causes painful blisters and worm emergence through skin. In the 1980s, Carter resolved to eradicate the disease, which affected millions of people in developing countries with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water. Since then, Carter’s efforts have led to a steady decline in Guinea worm cases. Last year, there were fewer than two dozen cases worldwide!

Legacy and Grace in Final Days

While the world pays tribute to the former president’s life of service, Carter’s final days are a testament to his humility and grace. He chose to forgo further medical interventions and remain in the same modest, one-story house in Plains, Georgia, where he started his journey in politics over 60 years ago.

Throughout his presidency and beyond, Carter’s message has been one of compassion and love. His Christian faith remains his guiding light, and he practices compassion and forgiveness towards his critics and adversaries. His final days serve an inspiration to us all, reminding us that a life well-lived is one dedicated to the service of others.

Inspirational Lessons

President Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy offer several lessons for us. First, love and compassion are powerful forces that can drive positive change and heal divided communities. Second, humility and grace are attributes that inspire others and make a lasting impact. Finally, each of us has the capacity to make a difference in this world. No act of kindness or generosity is too small, and no contribution to humanity is insignificant.

As we pay tribute to President Carter, we should celebrate his legacy and commit ourselves to service. In doing so, we honor the values of compassion, love, humility, and grace that have defined his life and that will continue to inspire generations to come.