Jimmy Carter becomes the first former US president to turn 100

On Tuesday, Joe Biden extended his congratulations to Jimmy Carter as he celebrated his 100th birthday, marking a significant milestone that makes Carter the first former president in US history to reach this age.

Carter began receiving hospice care at his residence in Plains, Georgia, 19 months ago. His grandson, Jason Carter, mentioned that the former president is looking forward to voting for Kamala Harris, who is also a Democrat, in the upcoming presidential election.

The White House honored President Carter by displaying large letters that read “Happy Birthday President Carter” along with the number 100 at the north entrance. Carter has requested that President Biden deliver his eulogy at his state funeral when that time arrives.

In a statement, Biden, who is 81 years old and was the first current senator to support Carter's campaign in 1976, described his predecessor as “a guiding moral influence for both our country and the globe.”

He said, “Your optimistic view of our nation, your dedication to creating a better future, and your steadfast faith in the inherent goodness of people serves as an inspiration for everyone.”

Barack Obama shared a video on the social media site X, wishing President Carter a happy 100th birthday. He expressed his gratitude for Carter's friendship, his deep sense of integrity, and his remarkable contributions through the @CarterCenter. Obama concluded by saying that both he and Michelle appreciate everything Carter has done for the nation.

Carter, who has outlived every US president in history, held office for one term from January 1977 to January 1981. During his presidency, he faced significant challenges, including soaring inflation and the Iran hostage situation. However, in recent years, historians have suggested that it's time to re-evaluate his legacy, noting that he was a pioneer in advocating for measures to address the climate crisis long before it became a mainstream concern.

After leaving office, he dedicated many years to humanitarian efforts, focusing on advancing human rights and reducing poverty across various countries. His significant contributions in these areas led to him receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

To celebrate his birthday, a tribute concert featuring country, rock, and gospel music stars will be aired, which was filmed at Atlanta's Fox Theatre last month. The event successfully raised over $1 million for the international initiatives of the Carter Center, established by him and his wife, Rosalynn Carter. His grandson, Jason Carter, mentioned that the former president intends to watch the concert on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter shared a marriage that lasted 77 years. Rosalynn passed away in November of the previous year, and the former president was last seen publicly at her funeral, where he was using a wheelchair and looked delicate. He has been diagnosed with cancer along with other health problems and chose to stop medical treatments and begin hospice care in February 2023.

Carter is likely to celebrate his birthday in the same single-story house that he and Rosalynn constructed in the early 1960s, prior to his first campaign for the Georgia state senate. He continued to teach Sunday school at his local Baptist church in Plains until just a few years back.

Jason Carter, the head of the Carter Center's governing board, shared with the Associated Press: “Not everyone gets to live for a century, and when someone does and dedicates their life to making a positive impact on countless individuals, it deserves to be celebrated.”

"Over the past 19 months, since he entered hospice care, our family has had an opportunity to reflect on his life. At the same time, people across the country and around the world have also been taking the time to think about him. This has been a deeply rewarding experience."

Early voting in Georgia kicks off on October 15, marking two weeks into Carter's 101st year. Jason Carter shared, “When we began discussing his 100th birthday, he expressed his enthusiasm about casting his vote for Kamala Harris.”

Since the 1980s, the Carters have been involved with the non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity International. The former president often teams up with fellow volunteers to assist in constructing homes for those impacted by poverty or natural disasters.

To celebrate Carter's birthday this week, numerous Habitat volunteers, including country music icons Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, will work together to construct 30 houses in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Jonathan Reckford, the CEO of Habitat, stated that the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project not only pays tribute to the Carters' contributions but also shows what can be achieved when individuals from diverse backgrounds unite to pursue a shared objective.