Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and the only one to hail from the Peach State, celebrated his 100th birthday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, marking a significant milestone as the first U.S. president to reach a full century. The day was filled with festivities as longtime friends, family, and admirers gathered to honor his life and legacy, which has spanned from humble beginnings as a farmer’s son to becoming a Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian.
Carter has been in hospice care for the last 19 months, yet continues to defy expectations, reflecting a life of resilience. Despite his advanced age and recent health challenges, Carter remains engaged with current events, including plans to vote in the upcoming election. His grandson, Jason Carter, noted the significance of this period for the family, offering them and the world a chance to reflect on his remarkable achievements.
Born on October 1, 1924, Carter still resides in the same home he and his late wife, Rosalynn, built in the 1960s. The former first lady passed away last November, but their enduring legacy continues through the work of The Carter Center, which they founded in 1982. The Center has made a global impact through its efforts in promoting peace, fighting disease, and fostering democracy.
In honor of Carter’s 100th birthday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared the day as “Jimmy Carter Day.” The momentous occasions has featured various events, including a flyover by antique World War II planes, a naturalization ceremony for 100 new U.S. citizens at Plains High School, and a fundraising musical gala aired on Georgia Public Broadcasting, which raised over $1.2 million for The Carter Center.
Among the tributes, President Joe Biden, a longtime friend of Carter, offered his congratulations, praising him as a moral force for both the nation and the world. Other activities in honor of Carter include a Habitat for Humanity project in Minnesota, where volunteers are constructing 30 homes as a tribute to the former president’s long-standing commitment to the organization.
Carter’s resilience and dedication to public service continue to inspire, with his next goal being to cast his ballot in the 2024 election. As his son, Chip Carter, shared, his father remains deeply connected to politics and global events, proving that even at 100, Carter’s spirit and passion for making a difference remain as strong as ever.
