ATLANTA, GEORGIA – As former President Jimmy Carter prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday, he is on the brink of achieving a significant milestone as the first American president to live a full century. Carter’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, rising from the son of a Depression-era farmer to a Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian and a global advocate for democracy. Despite spending the last 19 months in home hospice care in Plains, Georgia, the 39th president has continued to defy expectations and make a lasting impact on the world.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Carter has spent more than 80 of his 100 years in the small Georgia town. He is expected to celebrate his birthday in the same home he and his late wife, Rosalynn, built in the early 1960s. The former First Lady passed away last November at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to humanitarian causes.
In preparation for the milestone birthday, The Carter Center hosted a musical gala in Atlanta on September 17 to honor the former president. The event featured a diverse range of genres and artists, including some who campaigned with Carter during his successful 1976 presidential bid. The gala raised over $1.2 million for the center’s programs and will be broadcast on Georgia Public Broadcasting on Tuesday evening.
Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity in St. Paul, Minnesota, are also paying tribute to Carter by dedicating five days to building 30 houses in his honor. The Carters have been active ambassadors for the international organization for years, hosting annual building projects well into their 90s. Despite facing health challenges, including a cancer diagnosis at 90 and multiple falls and surgeries in his mid-90s, Carter has remained resilient and committed to his humanitarian work.
Throughout his journey, Carter has maintained a deep sense of faith and commitment to serving others. Despite the passing of his beloved wife, he continues to engage with world events, politics, and his family, demonstrating a renewed sense of purpose and engagement in his 100th year. Jason Carter, the former president’s grandson and Chair of The Carter Center governing board, shared that Carter is eager to cast his 2024 presidential ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris.
As Carter prepares to embark on his 101st year, his unwavering spirit, dedication to service, and resilience serve as an inspiration to many. His legacy as a statesman, humanitarian, and advocate for peace and democracy will continue to impact generations to come.