The late President Jimmy Carter's bodybuilding grandson shared intimate details about his remarkable relationship with his beloved "Paw-Paw."
According to Daily Mail, Hugo Wentzel, 25, revealed that despite his grandfather's inability to move or speak in his final days, Carter maintained a sense of contentment with his life's accomplishments and the people he helped throughout his journey.
The former president passed away on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100. Wentzel, one of Carter's 11 grandchildren and son of his daughter Amy, learned about his grandfather's final moments through a phone call with his mother, who was present in Plains during Carter's passing.
Wentzel's last meeting with his grandfather occurred shortly before Carter's 100th birthday. During this visit, they engaged in a profound conversation about life's motivations and the influences that shaped the former president's remarkable journey.
The 25-year-old grandson emphasized that his grandfather's religious conviction served as his primary driving force. Carter's unwavering faith remained a constant source of strength and guidance throughout his life. As shared by Wentzel, his grandfather said:
He really, really believes he's going to heaven, he's gonna be a better place. That really comforts me too.
The former president's dedication to completing every project he started left a lasting impression on his grandson. This determination and perseverance became hallmarks of Carter's approach to both personal and professional endeavors.
Growing up as the grandson of a former president provided Wentzel with unique experiences that he only fully appreciated later in life. The family's travels took them to various destinations, including Nicaragua and Turkey, where they once stayed in a hotel with "golden toilets."
Wentzel recalled an amusing incident where he became the youngest person to open the Panama Canal. This memory holds particular significance given the current political climate, as President-elect Donald Trump has expressed interest in regaining U.S. control of the crucial waterway.
The grandson mentioned that despite past criticisms between Trump and Carter, particularly regarding the Panama Canal treaty, he believes Trump will receive an invitation to his grandfather's funeral. Wentzel views his grandfather's passing as an opportunity for unity in a divided nation.
Looking ahead, Wentzel is channeling his grandfather's humanitarian spirit into his own initiatives. The 25-year-old bodybuilder is launching a fitness clothing line called "All You," which will donate a portion of its proceeds to help disabled children maintain their fitness.
In his final message about his grandfather, Wentzel emphasized Carter's desire to be remembered not only as a human rights activist but also as a devoted family man. The former president's commitment to caring for those close to him remained unwavering throughout his life.
Preparations are underway for Carter's farewell, with plans for an intimate funeral in Plains for family and community members, followed by larger public celebrations. The state funeral is scheduled for January 9 in Washington, DC.
Jimmy Carter's passing at age 100 marked the end of an era that bridged presidential leadership with humanitarian service. His grandson Hugo Wentzel's reflections reveal a deeply personal side of the former president, highlighting Carter's religious faith, dedication to family, and unwavering commitment to completing every project he undertook. While the nation prepares to bid farewell to the 39th president with a state funeral in Washington, DC, his impact continues through his family's commitment to service and humanitarian work.
