Former President Jimmy Carter’s passing at the age of 100 marked the end of a long and impactful life, characterized not only by his political career and humanitarian work but also by his remarkable resilience in the face of numerous health challenges. This article revisits the diagnoses and health battles faced by Jimmy Carter, offering insights into his journey with aging and illness.
In the years leading up to his death on December 29, 2024, in Plains, Georgia, Carter confronted several significant health issues. In 2019, a fall resulted in a hip fracture requiring surgery. Prior to that, in 2015, he received a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma, a form of cancer that had spread to his brain. Remarkably, just months later, Carter announced he was cancer-free, attributing his recovery to groundbreaking cancer therapy. In February 2023, the Carter Center, the organization he founded to champion human rights, declared that Carter would receive hospice care at home, with the full support of his family and medical team. This decision followed a series of hospital stays, as Carter opted for comfort and family time over further medical interventions.
Jimmy Carter holds the distinction of being the oldest and longest-lived U.S. President. As he shared with People Magazine in 2015 at the age of 95, he had never anticipated such longevity. His health journey provides a compelling narrative of aging, resilience, and the human spirit.
Liver Surgery and Initial Discovery
In August 2015, doctors performed elective surgery to remove a small mass from Jimmy Carter’s liver at Emory University Hospital. The Carter Center released a statement confirming the surgery’s success and expected full recovery. However, this procedure inadvertently led to the discovery of a more serious underlying condition.
Metastatic Melanoma Diagnosis
Just days after his liver surgery, in August 2015, Jimmy Carter publicly announced that the procedure had revealed a cancer diagnosis. The cancer, melanoma, had metastasized, spreading beyond his liver to other parts of his body. He communicated his intention to adjust his schedule to undergo treatment at Emory Healthcare.
Carter’s family history included a significant prevalence of cancer, with his mother succumbing to breast cancer and his father, two sisters, and brother all dying from pancreatic cancer.
Former President Jimmy Carter on the Atlanta Falcons bench, highlighting his continued engagement in public life even amidst health challenges.
Melanoma, identified as the cancer affecting Carter, is recognized as a dangerous form of skin cancer with a high propensity for metastasis. An MRI further revealed that the melanoma had spread to four locations in his brain. At 90 years old, Carter admitted that the diagnosis initially led him to believe his time was limited. However, he expressed a sense of peace, reflecting on a life well-lived and the support of his extensive network of friends. Despite this initial acceptance, Carter chose to pursue aggressive treatment as recommended by his physicians to prolong his life.
His treatment regimen included surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, in particular, proved highly effective. By December 2015, scans showed no signs of melanoma in his brain, and no new tumors had developed. In March 2016, Carter announced to his church that his doctors had ceased treatment due to the absence of tumors. Medical experts suggested that pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug approved in 2011, was likely instrumental in his successful recovery by boosting his immune system to fight the cancer.
Dehydration Incident at Habitat for Humanity
In July 2017, Carter experienced dehydration while working at a Habitat for Humanity build site in Winnipeg, Canada, under hot conditions. He was briefly hospitalized for observation but discharged the following day. Remarkably, he returned to the build site shortly after his discharge, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his humanitarian work.
President Jimmy Carter is awarded the Order of Manuel Amador Guerrero, illustrating his ongoing engagement in international relations and public service.
Falls and Subsequent Health Issues
In May 2019, Carter suffered a hip fracture from a fall at his home in Plains, Georgia, while preparing for a turkey hunting trip. He underwent hip replacement surgery and commenced physical therapy. Later in 2019, in October, he experienced two more falls at home. The first resulted in stitches above his eyebrow, and the second led to a minor pelvic fracture and hospitalization. Complications from these falls, specifically bleeding and pressure on his brain, necessitated surgery in November 2019. The Carter Center reported no complications from this procedure.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter addressing the media during a press conference at the Carter Center, demonstrating his transparency and public engagement.
Hospice Care at Home
In February 2023, the Carter Center announced Jimmy Carter’s decision to enter hospice care at home. This signified a shift from active medical intervention to prioritizing comfort and quality of life in his final days, surrounded by family. The Carter family requested privacy during this period, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and concern from admirers worldwide.
Despite these significant health challenges, Jimmy Carter attributed his longevity in part to his enduring marriage with former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. He told People Magazine in 2019 that marrying his wife, whom he described as someone who provided care, engagement, and intellectual stimulation, was a key factor in his long and fulfilling life.
Jimmy Carter’s health journey, marked by resilience in the face of multiple diagnoses, stands as a testament to his strength of character and enduring spirit. His openness about his health battles provided inspiration and a public perspective on aging with grace and determination.
