Former United States president Jimmy Carter, 98, has decided to forego further medical treatment and opt for hospice care at home, where he will spend his “remaining time,” his nonprofit foundation said on Saturday.
“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,” the Carter Center said in a statement on Twitter.
Mr Carter was the United States president from 1977 to 1981. He resides in Plains, Georgia, with his wife Rosalynn. During his presidency, Mr Carter was strongly committed to human rights and social justice. He successfully brokered a peace deal between Israel and Egypt dubbed the Camp David Accords.
His administration was unfortunately marred by setbacks which included the taking of U.S. hostages in Iran and the disastrous failed attempt to rescue the 52 captive Americans in 1980.
Later that year, he lost the presidential election to Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, serving only a single term in office.
The former president founded the Carter Center in 1982 to push for his vision of world diplomacy.
Mr Carter received the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote social and economic justice.
“The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers,” the Carter Center said.