Claim to fame: Jimmy Carter’s grandson says former president is ‘really sick’ after leaving
Following his forced exit from the hit ABC reality competition series claim to fameCandidate Hugo Wentzel said his grandfather, former US President Jimmy Carter, was “really sick”.
Co-hosted by siblings Kevin and Frankie Jonas, the popular game show, currently in its second season, pits a group of famous relatives against each other in a battle for the $100,000 prize. To achieve this, they must hide their identities and parentage while participating in challenges.
On Monday’s (August 7) episode, Hugo squared off against fellow competitor Chris. When it came to Hugo to identify Chris’ famous relative, he mistyped Elton John and was banned from the show.
But before he left, Hugo revealed, to the surprise of the rest of the cast, that he was the grandson of the 39th President of the United States, who served from 1977 to 1981.
In a “moving speech” to the group, Hugo revealed that his grandfather, Carter, had recently enrolled in home hospice care.
Speak with Weekly entertainment At the emotional moment, Hugo, the son of Carter’s daughter Amy, shared another update on his grandfather’s health.
“He’s pretty sick. He’s still using his brain. He listens to audio books. He is a genius. He’s super smart. I love him,” said Hugo. “He always wants to do something with his mind, so he tries to keep himself busy, but he’s really sick and getting older.”
Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter
(AP1976)
Carter, 98, is currently the longest-living US President. In February, he chose home hospice care after refraining from further medical procedures after several brief hospital stays.
“It was getting harder and harder to see him,” Hugo said when asked if he’d been able to visit his grandfather since filming. “I haven’t seen him that much lately but he knows I love him and we support him during this time.”
Watch Apple TV+ for free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £6.99/month. after free trial. The plan will automatically renew until canceled
Watch Apple TV+ for free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £6.99/month. after free trial. The plan will automatically renew until canceled
In May, it was announced that Carter’s wife, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, 95, was diagnosed with dementia.
About his grandma, Hugo added that when he sees her, “sometimes she forgets what’s going on, but when she remembers it, it’s amazing. I love her”.
“I just want to say that she is an amazing woman. She put so much work into her life. She has done things for mental health. I want everyone to know how incredibly important and beautiful she is as a person and as a grandmother,” Hugo said.
Carter and Rosalynn have been married since 1947. They have four children together, Amy, Jack, James and Donnel.