Former President Jimmy Carter to enter hospice care, his office announces

Former President Jimmy Carter will begin receiving hospice care this week, the Carter Center announced Saturday.

The Democratic politician, who at 98 is the oldest president in United States history, made the decision to forego all additional medical care, his charity said in a statement.

"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," the center said. '

"He has the full support of his family and his medical team," the statement continued, adding: "The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers."

Carter was president from 1977 to 1981.