As of Tuesday, October 1, Jimmy Carter has become the first former president of the United States to reach the age of 100. Additionally, he holds the record for the longest survival after leaving the presidency, lasting more than four decades. He entered centenarian status after spending 19 months in palliative care and hopes to live at least a few more weeks in order to vote for Kamala Harris in the presidential elections on November 5.
Carter has received a multitude of praise during this difficult time. Tributes have been pouring in to celebrate his centenary, although his physical condition limits his ability to fully appreciate them. On February 18, 2023, the Carter Center announced that the former president had chosen to discontinue other medical treatments and enter palliative care in his modest home in Plains, Georgia, a town where his family has a history of peanut farming. His prolonged survival was unexpected.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of supportive messages and led to a reevaluation of his presidency, which is now viewed as somewhat misunderstood and unfortunate, but has gained appreciation over time. His 99th birthday, celebrated on October 1 of last year, became the first living tribute to his achievements as president and beyond. No one anticipated that he would survive another year in palliative care, during which time the tributes would increase significantly.
A benefit concert, set to be televised this Tuesday, and the construction of 30 new homes are among the many celebrations planned to honor Carter’s centennial. The concert took place at the Fox Theater in Atlanta in early September, although the former president was unable to attend. It raised funds to support the Carter Center’s international programs and featured performances by B-52s, BeBe Winans, Angélique Kidjo, Chuck Leavell, and many others.
The new homes in St. Paul, Minnesota, are part of a larger initiative involving thousands of houses built due to the long-standing partnership between Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn, and the nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity. Carter has consistently stated that working with the organization was a way to live out his Christian faith.
Jimmy Carter and Rosalyn Carter, working on housing rehabilitation with the organization Habitat for Humanity, in New York.Bill Tompkins (Getty Images)
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Carter, who was elected in 1976, served one term as president, similar to Joe Biden today. His presidency was impacted by high inflation and international instability, which diminished his popularity. He was defeated by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election, although some of his accomplishments are now recognized more positively in hindsight.
Furthermore, Carter has been widely acknowledged as a great former president. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, promote democracy and human rights, and advance economic and social development—activities he has pursued through the Carter Center. His legacy also includes contributions to eradicating the Guinea worm disease, a painful yet often overlooked illness.
The last public event he attended was the funeral of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 of the previous year at the age of 96. She had suffered from dementia and died shortly after it was announced that she had entered palliative care. Joined by his successors Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, Carter participated in the service from the front row, sitting in a wheelchair and wrapped in a blanket woven as a tribute to the family.
Jimmy Carter, in 1979 in Elk City (Oklahoma), when he was president. Bettmann (Getty Images)
His grandson Jason Carter spoke about him at the last Democratic convention held in Chicago last August: “He and my grandmother dedicated their lives to an unwavering faith in God, a respect for human dignity, honesty, and a commitment to loving their neighbors as themselves. These principles guided them throughout their lives, including their four years in the White House and the four decades afterward. For my grandfather, it was never about fame, recognition, praise, or awards. His legacy is measured by the lives he has touched and the good he has done.”
Jason Carter also mentioned at the Democratic convention that he nominated Kamala Harris as a candidate that his grandfather would have supported, emphasizing that she embodies his legacy and that he looked forward to voting for her. Early voting in Georgia, his home state, begins on October 15.
Jimmy Carter: Celebrating 100 Years of Legacy
First Centenarian Former President
As of October 1, 2023, Jimmy Carter has made history as the first former president of the United States to celebrate his 100th birthday. This milestone not only highlights his longevity but also marks him as the president who has survived the longest post-presidency—over four decades. Following 19 months of palliative care, there is hope that he may see the upcoming presidential elections on November 5, where he aims to cast his vote for Kamala Harris.
Reflections on His Life and Presidency
During this poignant time, Carter has been enveloped in an outpouring of tributes. Despite his physical limitations, the accolades continue to stream in, rekindling discussions about his presidency. In February 2023, the Carter Center announced his choice to prioritize comfort through palliative care in Plains, Georgia—his lifelong home and peanut farming community.
The unexpected length of his survival has allowed for a deeper reevaluation of his presidency, often regarded in the past as tumultuous and unsuccessful. As he approached his 99th birthday, celebratory events began to unfold, heralding his accomplishments in both national and global contexts. This year marks a surprising extension of those honors.
Cultural Celebrations and Community Impact
To commemorate Carter’s 100th birthday, numerous events have taken place, including a benefit concert at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. Held in early September, the concert raised funds for the Carter Center’s international programs and featured performances by notable artists such as the B-52s, BeBe Winans, and Angélique Kidjo. Although Carter could not attend, the event underscored his continued influence on humanitarian efforts.
Legacy of Humanity and Service
Another significant celebration includes the construction of 30 new homes in St. Paul, Minnesota—part of a long-standing collaboration between the Carters and Habitat for Humanity. This initiative embodies Carter’s Christian faith and commitment to serving others, reflecting his dedication to humanitarian work throughout his life.
Carter’s Presidential Achievements
Jimmy Carter, elected in 1976, served a single term but faced challenges including high inflation and international instability that tarnished his presidency. These factors contributed to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980. Nevertheless, many of his contributions are now recognized more favorably over time.
Carter’s noteworthy achievements include:
- **Peace Accords**: Facilitated the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt.
- **Nobel Peace Prize**: Awarded in 2002 for his humanitarian efforts and pursuit of peace.
- **Human Rights Advocacy**: Championed human rights and democratic principles globally through the Carter Center.
- **Disease Eradication**: Led efforts to eradicate the Guinea worm disease.
Remembering Rosalynn Carter
Carter’s last public appearance was at the funeral of his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19, 2022, at 96. Battling dementia, her passing came shortly after entering palliative care. Surrounded by former presidents Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, Jimmy Carter attended the service in a wheelchair, wrapped in a tribute blanket, evoking significant public emotion.
Family Insights and Continuing Legacy
At the recent Democratic convention, Jason Carter, Jimmy’s grandson, emphasized his grandparents’ unwavering faith, respect for human dignity, and commitment to serving others. He noted, “Their legacy is measured by the lives they have touched and the good they have done.” This statement encapsulates the enduring values that have defined the Carter family’s contributions to society.
Jason Carter further expressed his excitement about Kamala Harris as a candidate, believing she embodies values championed by his grandfather. With early voting in Georgia starting October 15, the Carters look forward to participating in another pivotal election.
Resources and Further Reading
For those interested in learning more about Jimmy Carter’s policies and his humanitarian work, the following resources are beneficial:
- The Carter Center: Dedicated to improving global health and promoting peace.
- Habitat for Humanity: A nonprofit organization partnering to build homes for those in need.
- Nobel Prize Facts – Jimmy Carter: Details on his Nobel Peace Prize achievements.
Celebrating a Legacy of Peace and Service
As we celebrate Jimmy Carter’s remarkable journey, from his presidency to his ongoing humanitarian endeavors, it is clear that his legacy is one of resilience, dedication, and service. His 100 years have left an indelible mark on American history, inspiring generations to pursue justice and humanitarian aid as essential elements of leadership.
