Former President Jimmy Carter, 98, has been receiving home hospice care since February 2023. Rosalynn Carter, his wife, and former first lady has been at home with him, but her health is also in poor shape. Her family stated in May 2023 that she had been diagnosed with dementia. Her age is 95 years.
Following a game show, an update on the Carters’ health was recently delivered in an unexpected way. The show is named “Claim to Fame,” and one of the competitors was President Carter’s grandson, Hugo Wentzel. Wentzel spoke to Entertainment Weekly about his famous relative’s health after being eliminated from the competition.
Wentzel, Amy Carter’s 24-year-old son, explained that his grandfather “always wants to be doing something with his mind, so he’s trying to keep himself busy, but he’s really sick and getting older.”
Despite his love for his grandfather, Wentzel admitted, “It’s been harder and harder to see him.” “I haven’t seen him as much recently, but he knows I love him and we’re supporting him through this time,” he stated. Wentzel hasn’t spent much time with his grandfather recently due to his time working on “Claim to Fame,” but another reason is “things like COVID regulations.”
While Wentzel does not get to spend as much time as he would want with his grandfather, his mother “spends almost half of her time taking care of” the former President.
Wentzel made no attempt to downplay his grandfather’s health. He stated flatly, “He’s pretty sick.” Despite his health issues, Carter “still uses his brain,” according to Wentzel. He referred to his granddad as “a genius,” adding, “He’s super smart.” “I love him.”
Wentzel then discussed his grandmother’s condition, but first, he wanted to highlight how much she had contributed to the world during her existence. “She’s done things for mental health,” Wentzel explained. “I want everyone to know how important and beautiful she is as a person and as a grandmother.”
Wentzel addressed his grandmother’s dementia and described how he now visits her. “When I see her, she sometimes forgets what’s going on, but when she remembers, it’s amazing,” he said. “I love her.”
