Jimmy Carter had one of the ‘greatest second acts’ in American history, conservative historian says

Tributes and heartfelt responses are pouring in following news that former President Jimmy Carter has been entered into hospice care.

‘While bedeviled by myriad problems during his years in office, Carter has had one of the greatest second acts in American history,’ acclaimed historian and conservative political consultant Craig Shirley told Fox News Digital on Saturday afternoon. 

‘He also deserves the lion’s share of the credit for producing the durable Camp David Accords. Carter, an Annapolis grad, has always loved his country,’ Shirley, who has written four books on President Reagan, added.

Carter, 98, has been widely praised for his ‘second act’ after leaving the White House and dedicating himself to helping others through charity and promoting diplomacy around the globe.

On Saturday, The Carter Center announced that the former president will spend time at home rather than receive ‘additional medical intervention.’

‘He has the full support of his family and his medical team,’ the center’s statement said. ‘The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers.’

Well wishes immediately began pouring in on social media following The Carter Center’s announcement.

‘This man moves humanity forward every single day,’ Maria Shriver, a journalist, philanthropist, and niece of former President John F. Kennedy, posted on Twitter. ‘He is such an inspiration. Devoted his whole life to public service. Sending him and his family my love, my respect, my support.’

Jason Carter, the former president’s grandson who now chairs The Carter Center governing board, said Saturday in a tweet that he ‘saw both of my grandparents yesterday. They are at peace and—as always—their home is full of love.’

Carter was a prominent supporter of Habitat for Humanity dating back to 1984 and volunteered with the group every year since then until 2020.  

‘All of us at Habitat for Humanity are lifting up President and Mrs. Carter in prayer as he enters hospice care,’ Habitat for Humanity CEO Jonathan Reckford said in a statement on Saturday. ‘We pray for his comfort and for their peace, and that the Carter family experiences the joy of their relationships with each other and with God in this time.’

Carter celebrated his most recent birthday in October with family and friends in Plains, Georgia, the tiny town where he and his wife, Rosalynn, were born in the years between World War I and the Great Depression.

The Carter Center last year marked 40 years of promoting its human rights agenda.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.