Jimmy Carter, rebuilding after cancer

By John Murgatroyd, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 2:15 PM EDT, Wed September 21, 2016
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, speaks in Elk City, Oklahoma, in 1979. Learn more about Carter's legacy with <a href="https://cnncreativemarketing.com/project/jimmy-carter/" target="_blank" target="_blank">CNN Films' "Jimmy Carter: Rock and Roll President"</a> on January 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, speaks in Elk City, Oklahoma, in 1979. Learn more about Carter's legacy with CNN Films' "Jimmy Carter: Rock and Roll President" on January 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Carter, 6, poses with his sister Gloria in their hometown of Plains, Georgia, in 1931.
Carter, 6, poses with his sister Gloria in their hometown of Plains, Georgia, in 1931.
AP Photo
Carter graduated from the US Naval Academy on June 5, 1946, after completing the accelerated wartime program.
Carter graduated from the US Naval Academy on June 5, 1946, after completing the accelerated wartime program.
A.A. Bradley/AP
Carter shovels peanuts in the 1970s. Carter was the son of a peanut farmer, and he took over the family business in 1953 before his political career took off.
Carter shovels peanuts in the 1970s. Carter was the son of a peanut farmer, and he took over the family business in 1953 before his political career took off.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Carter gets a haircut during his first year as governor of Georgia. He was inaugurated on January 12, 1971.
Carter gets a haircut during his first year as governor of Georgia. He was inaugurated on January 12, 1971.
Stan Wayman/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
After becoming the Democratic Party's presidential nominee in 1976, Carter raises hands with running mate Walter Mondale at the Democratic National Convention in New York. Standing to Carter's right is his wife, Rosalynn, and their daughter, Amy. Carter ran as a Washington outsider and someone who promised to shake up government.
After becoming the Democratic Party's presidential nominee in 1976, Carter raises hands with running mate Walter Mondale at the Democratic National Convention in New York. Standing to Carter's right is his wife, Rosalynn, and their daughter, Amy. Carter ran as a Washington outsider and someone who promised to shake up government.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Carter and US President Gerald Ford debate domestic policy at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia in September 1976. It was the first of three Ford-Carter presidential debates.
Carter and US President Gerald Ford debate domestic policy at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia in September 1976. It was the first of three Ford-Carter presidential debates.
White House Photo/National Archive
Carter embraces his wife after receiving news of his election victory on November 2, 1976. Carter received 297 electoral votes, while Ford received 241.
Carter embraces his wife after receiving news of his election victory on November 2, 1976. Carter received 297 electoral votes, while Ford received 241.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Chief Justice Warren Burger swears Carter into office on January 20, 1977, while Rosalynn Carter looks on.
Chief Justice Warren Burger swears Carter into office on January 20, 1977, while Rosalynn Carter looks on.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Carter, second from left, and his brother Billy, left, visit Georgia's St. Simons Island in 1977.
Carter, second from left, and his brother Billy, left, visit Georgia's St. Simons Island in 1977.
Pictorial Parade/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Carter delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in January 1978. "Government cannot solve our problems," he said. Anti-government sentiment at the time was brought on by economic pessimism along with the end of the Vietnam War and the unraveling of the Watergate saga.
Carter delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in January 1978. "Government cannot solve our problems," he said. Anti-government sentiment at the time was brought on by economic pessimism along with the end of the Vietnam War and the unraveling of the Watergate saga.
AP Photo
Three days before his birthday in 1978, Carter blows out candles on a birthday cake presented to him at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee.
Three days before his birthday in 1978, Carter blows out candles on a birthday cake presented to him at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee.
Barry Thumma/AP
Carter jogs on the South Lawn of the White House in December 1978.
Carter jogs on the South Lawn of the White House in December 1978.
Karl Schumacher/AFP/Getty Images
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, right, listens to Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin on September 6, 1978, at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland. With Carter's help, terms of a peace accord were negotiated at Camp David. A formal treaty was signed in Washington on March 26, 1979, ending 31 years of war between Egypt and Israel. It was one of the highlights of Carter's presidency.
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, right, listens to Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin on September 6, 1978, at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland. With Carter's help, terms of a peace accord were negotiated at Camp David. A formal treaty was signed in Washington on March 26, 1979, ending 31 years of war between Egypt and Israel. It was one of the highlights of Carter's presidency.
AFP/Getty Images
Outgoing President Carter, left, sits with President-elect Ronald Reagan en route to Reagan's inauguration in January 1981.
Outgoing President Carter, left, sits with President-elect Ronald Reagan en route to Reagan's inauguration in January 1981.
Ronald Reagan Library/Getty Images
Before departing for Georgia following Reagan's inauguration, Carter holds his crying daughter as his wife blows a kiss at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
Before departing for Georgia following Reagan's inauguration, Carter holds his crying daughter as his wife blows a kiss at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
Robert Burgess/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images
The Carters wear glittering garlands and a turban given to them by Pakistani tribesmen at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in November 1986. They also received a pair of rams.
The Carters wear glittering garlands and a turban given to them by Pakistani tribesmen at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in November 1986. They also received a pair of rams.
AFP/Getty Images
Carter addresses a United Nations interfaith service at New York's Trinity Church in September 1991. His speech was entitled "The Present Role of the United Nations in a Changing World."
Carter addresses a United Nations interfaith service at New York's Trinity Church in September 1991. His speech was entitled "The Present Role of the United Nations in a Changing World."
Evy Mages/AFP/Getty Images
From left, former President George H.W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, Carter and Vice President Al Gore attend the Presidents' Summit for America's Future in Philadelphia in 1997. They helped clean up local neighborhoods as part of the effort to encourage volunteer service.
From left, former President George H.W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, Carter and Vice President Al Gore attend the Presidents' Summit for America's Future in Philadelphia in 1997. They helped clean up local neighborhoods as part of the effort to encourage volunteer service.
Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images
Clinton presented Carter with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, on August 9, 1999. Carter was recognized for his diplomatic achievements and humanitarian efforts.
Clinton presented Carter with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, on August 9, 1999. Carter was recognized for his diplomatic achievements and humanitarian efforts.
Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images
Carter works at a construction site sponsored by the Jimmy Carter Work Project in Asan, South Korea, on August 6, 2001. The Carters have been involved with the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity since 1984.
Carter works at a construction site sponsored by the Jimmy Carter Work Project in Asan, South Korea, on August 6, 2001. The Carters have been involved with the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity since 1984.
Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
Cuban President Fidel Castro calls for time as Carter prepares to throw the first pitch at a baseball game in Havana, Cuba, in May 2002.
Cuban President Fidel Castro calls for time as Carter prepares to throw the first pitch at a baseball game in Havana, Cuba, in May 2002.
Adalberto Roque/AFP/Getty Images
Students at the University of Havana listen to Carter outline his vision for improved relations between the United States and Cuba on May 14, 2002. The speech was broadcast live and uncensored on Cuban state television.
Students at the University of Havana listen to Carter outline his vision for improved relations between the United States and Cuba on May 14, 2002. The speech was broadcast live and uncensored on Cuban state television.
Adalberto Roque/AFP/Getty Images
Carter is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, in December 2002. He was recognized for his many years of public service, and in his acceptance speech he urged others to work for peace.
Carter is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, in December 2002. He was recognized for his many years of public service, and in his acceptance speech he urged others to work for peace.
Arne Knudsen/Getty Images
Carter adjusts his headphones at a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela, in January 2003. He proposed a referendum on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's presidency or an amendment to the constitution as a way to end the political crisis in the South American nation.
Carter adjusts his headphones at a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela, in January 2003. He proposed a referendum on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's presidency or an amendment to the constitution as a way to end the political crisis in the South American nation.
Juan Barreto/AFP/Getty Images
Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean speaks beside Carter during a campaign stop in Plains, Georgia, in January 2004.
Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean speaks beside Carter during a campaign stop in Plains, Georgia, in January 2004.
Erik S. Lesser/Getty Images
Rosalynn Carter smashes a bottle of champagne against the sail of the USS Jimmy Carter during the submarine's christening ceremony in Connecticut on June 5, 2004.
Rosalynn Carter smashes a bottle of champagne against the sail of the USS Jimmy Carter during the submarine's christening ceremony in Connecticut on June 5, 2004.
Department of Defense/National Archive
The Carters wave to the audience at the Democratic National Convention in Boston in 2004.
The Carters wave to the audience at the Democratic National Convention in Boston in 2004.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Carter checks his notes while observing a polling station in Maputo, Mozambique, in December 2004. Since 1989, the Carter Center has been observing elections around the world to determine their legitimacy. The nonprofit organization was founded by Carter and his wife to advance human rights across the globe.
Carter checks his notes while observing a polling station in Maputo, Mozambique, in December 2004. Since 1989, the Carter Center has been observing elections around the world to determine their legitimacy. The nonprofit organization was founded by Carter and his wife to advance human rights across the globe.
Marco Longari/AFP/Getty Images
In February 2007, Carter speaks to children in Ghana on the seriousness of eradicating guinea worm disease.
In February 2007, Carter speaks to children in Ghana on the seriousness of eradicating guinea worm disease.
Courtesy Carter Center
The Carters arrive for President Barack Obama's inauguration in January 2009.
The Carters arrive for President Barack Obama's inauguration in January 2009.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Carter testifies in May 2009 during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on energy independence and security.
Carter testifies in May 2009 during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on energy independence and security.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Hamas leader Ismail Haniya speaks in June 2009 during a joint news conference with Carter in Gaza. Carter denounced the deprivations facing Palestinians in Gaza as unique in history, asserting that they are being treated "like animals."
Hamas leader Ismail Haniya speaks in June 2009 during a joint news conference with Carter in Gaza. Carter denounced the deprivations facing Palestinians in Gaza as unique in history, asserting that they are being treated "like animals."
Mahmud Hams/AFP/Getty Images
Carter walks out of the Hall of Remembrance at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem in August 2009. The Elders, an independent council of retired world figures, kicked off a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories in a bid to encourage Middle East peace efforts.
Carter walks out of the Hall of Remembrance at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem in August 2009. The Elders, an independent council of retired world figures, kicked off a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories in a bid to encourage Middle East peace efforts.
Yehuda Raizner/AFP/Getty Images
Carter delivers a speech in Seoul, South Korea, after receiving an honorary doctorate degree from Korea University in March 2010. During a four-day visit to South Korea, Carter urged direct talks with North Korea, saying a failure to negotiate nuclear disarmament might lead to a "catastrophic" war.
Carter delivers a speech in Seoul, South Korea, after receiving an honorary doctorate degree from Korea University in March 2010. During a four-day visit to South Korea, Carter urged direct talks with North Korea, saying a failure to negotiate nuclear disarmament might lead to a "catastrophic" war.
Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Images
Carter greets South African leader Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg in May 2010.
Carter greets South African leader Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg in May 2010.
Jeff Moore/Getty Images
Carter hugs Aijalon Mahli Gomes at Boston's Logan International Airport in August 2010. Carter negotiated Gomes' release after he was held in North Korea for crossing into the country illegally in January 2010.
Carter hugs Aijalon Mahli Gomes at Boston's Logan International Airport in August 2010. Carter negotiated Gomes' release after he was held in North Korea for crossing into the country illegally in January 2010.
Darren McCollester/Getty Images
Carter and other former Presidents, including Clinton and both George Bushes, attend the Points of Light Institute Tribute to Former President George H.W. Bush in March 2011.
Carter and other former Presidents, including Clinton and both George Bushes, attend the Points of Light Institute Tribute to Former President George H.W. Bush in March 2011.
Kris Connor/Getty Images
Cuban President Raul Castro greets Carter and his wife at the Revolution Palace in Havana on March 30, 2011. Carter was the first former US President to visit Cuba since the 1959 revolution.
Cuban President Raul Castro greets Carter and his wife at the Revolution Palace in Havana on March 30, 2011. Carter was the first former US President to visit Cuba since the 1959 revolution.
Javier Galeano/Getty Images
In April 2011, Carter addresses students at the Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies in Pyongyang, North Korea.
In April 2011, Carter addresses students at the Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies in Pyongyang, North Korea.
Richard Lewis/The Elders/Getty Images
As part of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, Carter answers a question during a panel discussion at the University of Illinois in Chicago in April 2012.
As part of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, Carter answers a question during a panel discussion at the University of Illinois in Chicago in April 2012.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Carter was interviewed for "The Presidents' Gatekeepers" project at the Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, in September 2011.
Carter was interviewed for "The Presidents' Gatekeepers" project at the Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia, in September 2011.
David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images
From left, President Obama, Carter, first lady Michelle Obama and Clinton wave from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 2013. It was the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, which is best remembered for Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
From left, President Obama, Carter, first lady Michelle Obama and Clinton wave from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 2013. It was the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, which is best remembered for Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images
Carter talks with reporters in Chicago at a signing for his book "A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power" in March 2014. In the book, Carter argues that the abuse and subjugation of women and girls is one of the biggest challenges the world faces.
Carter talks with reporters in Chicago at a signing for his book "A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power" in March 2014. In the book, Carter argues that the abuse and subjugation of women and girls is one of the biggest challenges the world faces.
Brian Kersey/Getty Images
Carter teaches Sunday School on Easter Sunday 2014 at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. Carter teaches Sunday School at the church several times a year.
Carter teaches Sunday School on Easter Sunday 2014 at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. Carter teaches Sunday School at the church several times a year.
Chris McKay/Getty Images
Carter signs his book "A Full Life: Reflections At Ninety" in Pasadena, California, in July 2015.
Carter signs his book "A Full Life: Reflections At Ninety" in Pasadena, California, in July 2015.
Paul Redmond/Getty Images
Carter talks about <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/20/politics/jimmy-carter-cancer-update/index.html" target="_blank">his cancer diagnosis</a> during a news conference at the Carter Center in Atlanta in August 2015. Carter announced that his cancer was on four small spots on his brain and that he would immediately begin radiation treatment. In December 2015, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/06/politics/jimmy-carter-cancer-free/index.html" target="_blank">Carter announced</a> that he was cancer-free.
Carter talks about his cancer diagnosis during a news conference at the Carter Center in Atlanta in August 2015. Carter announced that his cancer was on four small spots on his brain and that he would immediately begin radiation treatment. In December 2015, Carter announced that he was cancer-free.
Phil Skinner/AP
Carter delivers a lecture on the eradication of guinea worm disease at the House of Lords in London in February 2016.
Carter delivers a lecture on the eradication of guinea worm disease at the House of Lords in London in February 2016.
Eddie Mullholland/Getty Images
Carter and his wife arrive for the inauguration of Donald Trump in January 2017.
Carter and his wife arrive for the inauguration of Donald Trump in January 2017.
Saul Loeb/Getty Images
Carter helps build stairs for a home during a Habitat for Humanity project in Edmonton, Alberta, in July 2017. A couple days later, while working on another house in Canada, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/13/politics/jimmy-carter-dehydration-habitat-for-humanity/index.html" target="_blank">Carter became dehydrated</a> and was taken to a hospital as a precaution.
Carter helps build stairs for a home during a Habitat for Humanity project in Edmonton, Alberta, in July 2017. A couple days later, while working on another house in Canada, Carter became dehydrated and was taken to a hospital as a precaution.
Jason Franson/AP
Carter, center, speaks along side former US Presidents George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama as they attend the Hurricane Relief concert in College Station, Texas, in October 2017.
Carter, center, speaks along side former US Presidents George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama as they attend the Hurricane Relief concert in College Station, Texas, in October 2017.
Jim Chapin/AFP/Getty Images
Carter holds up a copy of his new book "Faith: A Journey For All" at a book-signing event in New York in March 2018.
Carter holds up a copy of his new book "Faith: A Journey For All" at a book-signing event in New York in March 2018.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, speak with Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn prior to an NFL game in September 2018.
Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, speak with Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn prior to an NFL game in September 2018.
Scott Cunningham/Getty Images
Former US President George W. Bush greets Carter and other former presidents during the state funeral for his father in December 2018.
Former US President George W. Bush greets Carter and other former presidents during the state funeral for his father in December 2018.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter bow their heads in prayer at a church in Plains, Georgia, in June 2019. It was less than a month after the former president fell and broke his hip.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter bow their heads in prayer at a church in Plains, Georgia, in June 2019. It was less than a month after the former president fell and broke his hip.
Curtis Compton/AP
Carter fell and hit his head in early October 2019 while getting ready for church, requiring 14 stitches above his brow. But he didn't let that stop him from heading to Nashville that afternoon for a week of <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/12/politics/jimmy-carter-habitat-for-humanity-nashville/index.html" target="_blank">building houses with Habitat for Humanity.</a>
Carter fell and hit his head in early October 2019 while getting ready for church, requiring 14 stitches above his brow. But he didn't let that stop him from heading to Nashville that afternoon for a week of building houses with Habitat for Humanity.
Mark Humphrey/AP
Carter teaches Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, in November 2019.
Carter teaches Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, in November 2019.
John Amis/AP
Jimmy Carter's legacy, in photos

Story highlights

Jimmy Carter announced in August 2015 that he had cancer

This August, he was building a Habitat for Humanity home in Memphis

CNN  — 

President Jimmy Carter wasn’t too sure he would be in Memphis this year for Habitat for Humanity’s 33rd Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

Just one year ago, the former president announced that he had cancer that had spread to his brain.

“We didn’t know of any treatment for that type of cancer, so I thought I had just a few weeks to live,” Carter said Tuesday.

Former President Jimmy Carter, center, works on a Habitat for Humanity construction project in Memphis.
Former President Jimmy Carter, center, works on a Habitat for Humanity construction project in Memphis.
Adrian Sainz/AP

Working on a Habitat project in Memphis last year, he told everyone he would be back.

“But I wasn’t sure I would be back or not,” Carter said. “But luckily, here I am.”

Doctors treated Carter with pembrolizumab, a drug that works by revving up a patient’s own immune system to kill cancer. By December, MRI scans no longer showed any signs of cancer.

“We still monitor my health every now and then,” Carter said.

At home with a hammer and saw

This week, along with his wife, Rosalynn, the 91-year-old is helping build homes just north of Uptown Memphis.

Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, work in Memphis.
Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, work in Memphis.
Alex Sanz/AP

Carter wore a tool belt, a hard hat and a red bandana around his neck to soak up the sweat. He looked equally comfortable with a hammer or a circular saw.

“I’m a furniture builder, first of all,” Carter said. “I have my own shop at home, and I build very advanced, very nice furniture.”

The president is working alongside the future homeowners, who will end up putting in 300 to 500 hours of work on the home.

“We don’t give away anything except a lot of love and care and concern,” Carter noted. “The homeowner, family, has to pay full price for the cost of their house.”

‘Nobody works harder’

Country singers and spouses Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood were working on the same job site.

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    “It’s harder than hell working alongside them, to tell you the truth,” Brooks said of the Carters.

    “Nobody works harder,” Yearwood said. “They lead by example, you know, and they really do work.”

    The Carters started working with Habitat for Humanity soon after leaving the White House. In 1984, the couple started their first national work project for the organization.

    “It’s a practical way to put my religious beliefs into practical use,” he said. “We talk about rich people helping poor people in need and so forth, and this is the best way I know of to cross that very difficult chasm between rich people and people who have never had a decent place to live.”