Jimmy Carter reached a historic milestone as he celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday, making him the first former US president to achieve this age.
The Democrat, who held office from 1977 to 1981, has spent the past 19 months in hospice care in his home state of Georgia. Despite his health challenges, Carter remains “emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving,” according to his grandson.
Carter has expressed a desire to participate in the upcoming elections, saying he aims to reach the polls to vote for Kamala Harris.
In honor of his birthday, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, a charity that Carter has supported for four decades, are constructing 30 homes in Minnesota this week. Additionally, various events took place in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s hometown, to celebrate this special occasion.
The celebrations commenced with a naturalization ceremony for 100 individuals from 30 different countries, who became US citizens on this significant day. The afternoon included a military flyover featuring four F-18 jets, celebrating Carter’s centenary.
A star-studded concert was held earlier this month in Atlanta, Georgia, to honor Carter’s 100th birthday and raise funds for The Carter Center. The event was remarkable, being the first-ever public celebration for a living American president’s centenary, according to Carter.
The concert successfully raised over $1.2 million and featured numerous musical performances, with thousands of attendees. Although Carter could not attend, his family indicated that he would watch the broadcast of the event, airing on his birthday.
In November 2023, Carter made a rare public appearance to honor his late wife, Rosalynn, who passed away earlier that month. Their 77-year marriage is notable for being the longest of any first couple in US history.
When Carter initially entered hospice care in February 2023, many family members believed he had only a short time left. However, his grandsons described their time with him as a precious gift, appreciating the unexpected moments shared.
Carter’s journey has sparked conversations about hospice care, highlighting its positive aspects. Experts note his influence in helping others view hospice as a viable and comforting option during life’s final stages.
