On October 1, Jimmy Carter reached an incredible milestone—he turned 100, becoming the first American president to live an entire century! But while the world celebrated, his family shared that the former president’s health has become quite limited in his later years.
His grandson, Jason Carter, opened up about how tough things are for Jimmy at this stage. He said, “This journey is one he can only experience at the very end.”
Carter’s 100th birthday celebration took place in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Family and friends gathered to honor him, though it was a bittersweet moment, being his first birthday without his beloved wife, Rosalynn, who passed away last November at the age of 96. The two had been married for 77 years.
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 sent a heartfelt message to his old friend. “We know this is the first birthday without Rosalynn,” Biden said. “It’s bittersweet, but we also know she’s always with you. She’s in your heart; she’ll never go away. She may be gone, but she’s always going to be with you.”
Biden went on to praise Carter for the life he’s lived, both during and after his time in office. “Even after you left office, the moral clarity you showed throughout your career shined through again in your commitment to the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity,” Biden continued. “Put simply, Mr. President, I admire you so darn much.”
Happy 98th Birthday Papa! We love you! @CarterCenter pic.twitter.com/41YxwU2lz8
— Jason Carter (@SenatorCarter) October 1, 2022
The birthday party was held at the same Plains home where Carter now lives, the house he built with Rosalynn back in the 1960s. Though he’s rarely seen in public, Carter, who uses a wheelchair, made an appearance at Rosalynn’s memorial service last year.
Jason, who is 49 years old, shared more about how special Plains is to his grandfather. He explained that the small town is the place that’s always given Jimmy the most support. “That’s his home in every way, and he really cherished that time and that support,” Jason said. “There is no other place in the world that he would be at peace other than Plains.”
Jason also talked about how difficult it’s been for his granddad since Rosalynn’s passing. “After 77 years of marriage… none of us really understand what it’s like for him right now,” Jason admitted. “We have to embrace the fact that there are things about the spirit that you just can’t understand.”
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
At the celebration, there were cupcakes on the lawn, and World War II planes flew overhead in tribute to the former president. Later, the family gathered around to watch the vice-presidential debate on TV. Carter’s son, Chip, who is 74, shared that his father is still very much engaged with what’s happening in the world.
“He’s plugged in,” Chip said, adding that Jimmy intends to live long enough to cast his 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, who is also the chair of the Carter Center, expressed how remarkable it is that his grandfather has reached this milestone. “Not everybody gets 100 years on this earth,” Jason said. “And when somebody does, and they use that time to do so much good for so many people, it’s worth celebrating.”
The last 19 months, with Jimmy in hospice, have given the family time to reflect on his incredible life. “That’s been a really gratifying time,” Jason shared.
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
Despite his declining physical health, Jimmy Carter remains emotionally strong. Jason told People in September 2024 that his grandfather is “physically limited” and doesn’t leave home often. “He has really physically diminished and can’t do much on his own,” Jason said. “But he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving.”
“This is an important part of his journey,” Jason added. “One that you don’t get to experience at any other time in your life except for the very end… And so in that way, I think this has been a really meaningful time for him.”
What an incredible life Jimmy Carter has lived, and what a milestone to celebrate!
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