Who thought that an evicted contestant on the ABC reality program would provide an update on former President Jimmy Carter?
In the game show “Claim to Fame,” each contestant has a renowned ancestor and is entrusted with identifying the other contestants’ relatives.
Hugo Wentzel was eliminated from the program on Monday; he is the grandson of the former president.
The 24-year-old provided an update on Carter’s health during his exit interview with Entertainment Weekly.
“He always wants to be doing something with his mind, so he’s trying to keep himself busy,” Wentzel said, “but he is really sick and getting older.”
The reality contestant added, “It’s been harder and harder to see him. My mom spends a lot of her time with him. She spends almost half her time taking care of him at this point just because of things like COVID regulations.
“So it’s really family oriented.”
Now I'm sad about Jimmy Carter. But Hugo loves his grandpa & that is beautiful. Look at lil Hugo! #ClaimtoFane pic.twitter.com/uI2auI7uiK
— 🐂 Aʅʅყ (@owleealeckza) August 8, 2023
Wentzel disclosed, however, that he hasn’t “been seeing him as much recently, but he knows that I love him, and we’re supporting him through this time.”
According to Carter’s grandson, he frequently listens to audiobooks to keep his mind active.
In February, the 39th president decided against further medical treatment and entered hospice care.
At the time, The Carter Center stated, “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.”
https://t.co/1auzIG0yqy pic.twitter.com/JJQMWgg8DW
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) February 18, 2023
Carter has surpassed former President George H.W. Bush as the longest-living president, according to The New York Times.
According to the Associated Press, he currently resides in Plains, Georgia, with his wife of 77 years, former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
In May, it was disclosed that Rosalynn Carter had been diagnosed with dementia.