Jimmy Carter reached an amazing milestone on October 1—he turned 100 years old, becoming the first American president to live a full century! But while the celebration was exciting, his grandson shared that Carter’s health has declined. “He’s very limited in what he can do,” his grandson, Jason Carter, revealed. “This journey is one he can only experience at the very end.”
The big celebration took place in Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia. Family and friends gathered to mark his 100th birthday, but it was bittersweet, as it was the first birthday without his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away last year after 77 years of marriage.
Join us today as we celebrate the remarkable life of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Watch her tribute videos here: https://t.co/6dFYmlZP1F pic.twitter.com/Ke4WXI5Ait
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) November 28, 2023
President Joe Biden, a longtime friend, sent a touching message for Carter’s birthday. “We know this is the first birthday without Rosalynn. It’s bittersweet, but we also know she’s always with you,” Biden said. “She’s in your heart; she’ll never go away. She may be gone, but she’s always going to be with you. She’s always there, and I know you know that.”
Rosalynn, also from Plains, died at 96 in November 2022. Carter, now using a wheelchair, doesn’t appear in public much anymore, but he did attend her memorial service.
Happy 98th Birthday Papa! We love you! @CarterCenter pic.twitter.com/41YxwU2lz8
— Jason Carter (@SenatorCarter) October 1, 2022
Biden, who supported Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign when he was a young senator, praised Carter’s lifelong commitment to doing good in the world. “Even after you left office, the moral clarity you showed throughout your career showed through again in your commitment to the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity… Put simply, Mr. President, I admire you so darn much.”
The birthday party was held at Carter’s home, the same house he and Rosalynn built together in the 1960s. Now, it’s where he lives in hospice care. Jason explained why this home means so much to Carter. “It’s the place that has given him the greatest support and is the only place where he would go through this part of his life,” Jason shared.
“That’s his home in every way, and he really cherished that time and that support.”
Jimmy Carter becomes the first U.S. President in history to turn 100 years old. pic.twitter.com/Jve8Cf8qEj
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 1, 2024
Jason, 49, is Carter’s eldest grandson, and he’s the son of Carter’s first-born child, Jack, who is now 77. Jason has a special role in the family and Carter’s legacy, as he chairs the Carter Center. He explained that Plains is the only place where Carter feels at peace. “There is no other place in the world that he would be at peace other than Plains,” Jason said.
Talking about the struggles his grandfather has faced since Rosalynn’s passing, Jason said, “After 77 years of marriage… I just think none of us really understand what it’s like for him right now.” He added, “We have to embrace the fact that there are things about the spirit that you just can’t understand.”
During the party, the atmosphere was festive. Guests enjoyed cupcakes on the lawn, and old World War II planes flew overhead to honor the former president. In the evening, the group gathered around the TV to watch the vice-presidential debate.
Carter’s 74-year-old son, Chip, shared with The Associated Press how his father is still very much tuned into the world. “He’s plugged in,” Chip said. He also revealed Carter’s determination to live long enough to vote in the upcoming election. “I asked him two months ago if he was trying to live to be 100, and he said, ‘No, I’m trying to live to vote for Kamala Harris.’”
Jason also took the time to reflect on what his grandfather’s 100th birthday means. “Not everybody gets 100 years on this earth, and when somebody does, and when they use that time to do so much good for so many people, it’s worth celebrating,” he said.
He added that the 19 months Carter has spent in hospice have been a chance for the family, the country, and the world to reflect on his remarkable life. “That’s been a really gratifying time.”
Jimmy Carter celebrates his 98th birthday at a parade in his hometown of Plains, Georgia! pic.twitter.com/LwTDmN84rR
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) October 1, 2022
While Carter’s physical abilities are limited, Jason shared with People magazine that his grandfather is still engaged emotionally. “He has really physically diminished and can’t do much on his own. But he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving.”
Jason called this part of his grandfather’s journey an important one. “This is a part of life you can only experience at the very end, and I think this has been a really meaningful time for him,” he explained.
Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday was not just a celebration of his life but a tribute to a man who has made an incredible impact on the world. It’s a life worth honoring, and it’s clear his influence will be felt for years to come.
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