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'Forever by your side!' Secret Service pledges support to the end as Jimmy Carter receives hospice care

Former US President Jimmy Carter, 98, was sent tributes as it was revealed that he would enter home hospice care

PLAINS, GEORGIA: The Secret Service has sent a moving tribute to Jimmy Carter following the announcement that the longest-surviving president in US history will be receiving hospice care. “Rest easy Mr President. We will be forever by your side,” tweeted Anthony Gugliemi, the agency’s spokesperson, in a social media post on Saturday, February 18.

The former US president has decided to spend his final days at home in Plains, Georgia with his wife of 76 years, Rosalynn, 95, as per a statement issued by Carter's Center. The announcement goes on to say that the 98-year-old “has the full support of his family and his medical team," while adding, "The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown 'by his many admirers."

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'I’ve had a wonderful life'

The 39th president was diagnosed with cancer in 2015. He then underwent surgery to remove a mass from his liver. During a press conference later that month, Carter revealed that doctors had found melanoma, “four very small spots,” on his brain. Speaking about the news of his health, Carter said he was “at ease” despite believing he only had a few weeks left to live, according to Fox News. “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, and I’ve had an exciting, adventurous, and gratifying existence,” he said in a positive tone. 

'A man of great faith'

Friends and families of Carter chimed in to send their best wishes to the former president. "Across life's seasons, President Jimmy Carter, a man of great faith, has walked with God. In this tender time of transitioning, God is surely walking with him. May he, Rosalynn & the entire Carter family be comforted with that peace and surrounded by our love & prayers," wrote Raphael Warnock, a senator for Carter's home state. David Axelrod, a senior advisor to Barack Obama, tweeted: "Very sad news about a remarkable man and a great American, who has done so much for the world. Thinking of President Carter and his family."

Roger Stone also paid tribute to Carter's life and legacy. "Jimmy Carter was not a great President but he is a good man, a patriotic American and an honest Christian who did clean house at the CIA after their abuses became public. May God bless him." Maria Shriver, the niece of John F Kennedy and former first lady of California, called Carter an “inspiration” in her message. "This man moves humanity forward every single day. He is such an inspiration. Devoted his whole life to public service. Sending him and his family my love, my respect, my support."