Jeff Carter, the youngest son of former President Jimmy Carter, has been privately navigating a challenging battle with Parkinson's disease, facing his diagnosis with determination and the same pragmatic foresight that has defined the Carter family for generations. According to his son, Josh Carter, Jeff has managed his condition with remarkable resilience, reflecting the family's deep commitment to preparation and caregiving.
Jeff, now 72, learned of his Parkinson's diagnosis some time ago, but he chose to keep it mostly private, focusing on living his life and managing the disease as best he could. "We know that [Parkinson's] is a one-way street," said Josh Carter, 40, in an interview with PEOPLE. "My dad is currently living by himself; he's independent and able to take care of himself, but he built his house knowing that one day he might need more help." This forward-thinking approach is a hallmark of the Carter family, who have faced numerous health challenges with careful planning and unwavering support for each other.
Nearly ten years ago, Jeff moved into a home designed with wheelchair accessibility, preparing for the potential mobility issues that come with Parkinson's. This thoughtful decision highlights the Carter family's proactive approach to managing health concerns, deeply influenced by their long history of caregiving. Since the passing of his wife, Annette Davis Carter, in 2021, Jeff has continued to live independently, even as his condition has gradually demanded more of him.
The Carter family's legacy of caregiving extends far beyond Jeff's current battle. His mother-in-law, Dorothy Davis, suffered severe memory loss following a stroke, and the family rallied to provide her with the support she needed. Additionally, Jeff's grandson, Jonathan, was diagnosed with a rare and chronic intestinal disorder at a young age, bringing yet another layer of financial and emotional challenges for the family to face together.
Jimmy Carter's Youngest Son, Jeff, Has Been Quietly Living with Parkinson's Disease (Exclusive) - People https://t.co/bpYcg3jDQq — D Lamont G (@withonewing) October 8, 2024
Josh Carter has become a prominent advocate for caregivers, serving as a spokesperson for the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. During a recent event at the United Nations marking the International Day of Older Persons, Josh publicly discussed his father's condition for the first time. His words highlighted the family's dedication to supporting one another through both medical and personal trials, a core value that has shaped the Carter family's public and private lives.
Despite the difficulties posed by his illness, Jeff Carter has found ways to maintain a significant quality of life, thanks to advances in medical technology. He has undergone deep brain stimulation therapy, a treatment that involves implanting electrodes into specific parts of the brain that regulate movement. These electrodes, controlled by a device linked to his smartphone, have dramatically improved his mobility. "He can literally control his brain with his iPhone, which is wild," Josh said. "Without his therapy, he's basically not able to do anything. But when he turns it on, he can stand up, walk, hold a drink, and communicate. It's like night and day."
This innovative treatment has allowed Jeff to stay active with his family, enjoying precious moments with his grandchildren and remaining engaged in ways that seemed impossible before. Josh emphasized their gratitude for the technology, noting that it has transformed Jeff's ability to participate in daily activities despite the constraints of Parkinson's.
The news of Jeff Carter's condition surfaces as the Carter family continues to draw attention for their unwavering dedication to caregiving-a cause that former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has championed throughout her life. With both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter now in hospice care, the revelation about Jeff's battle with Parkinson's adds another layer to the family's legacy of mutual support and resilience.
