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Former President Jimmy Carter enters hospice care

Former President Jimmy Carter enters hospice care Jimmy Carter was the nation's 39th president from 1977 to 1981. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Former President Jimmy Carter, the Georgia native who is the longest living president in U.S. history, has entered hospice care, the Carter Center said 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. He has the full support of his family and his medical team. The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers.”

—  The Carter Center

Carter, 98, won the election to Georgia’s State Senate in 1962. He lost his first gubernatorial campaign in 1966 but won the next election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12, 1971.

Carter announced his candidacy for President of the United States in December 1974. He won the nomination that year at the Democratic National Convention.

Carter was the 39th president of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981. Shortly following the death of George H. W. Bush, Carter became the longest-living president in U.S. history.

Carter was born in Plains, Georgia, which is where he lives with his wife, Rosalynn.

Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, said he visited his grandfather and grandmother on Friday.

“They are at peace and—as always—their home is full of love. Thank you all for your kind words,” he said of his visit.

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