Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday, marking a historic milestone as the first U.S. president to reach this remarkable age. The former peanut farmer, who rose to the White House, continues to defy expectations, having entered hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, over 19 months ago.
On his special day, Carter spent time in the home he built with his late wife, Rosalynn, in the 1960s, enjoying a family lunch with around 20 relatives, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
In a heartfelt tribute, President Joe Biden referred to Carter as a “beloved friend” and acknowledged him as “one of the most influential statesmen” in American history. “Your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continues to be a guiding light for all of us,” Biden stated in a video shared on his official X account.
The White House lawn was adorned with a sign reading “Happy Birthday, President Carter,” while King Charles III sent a private congratulatory message, expressing admiration for Carter’s lifelong commitment to public service. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also declared “Jimmy Carter Day” in the state, despite managing the response to a major storm disaster.
Carter has been in hospice care since February, a year during which he celebrated his 99th birthday and mourned the passing of Rosalynn, his partner of 77 years.
Carter’s legacy extends beyond his single term as president from 1977 to 1981; he is also known for his roles as a global mediator, human rights advocate, and elder statesman. He founded the esteemed Carter Center in 1982 to further his vision of global diplomacy, and his presidency is noted for significant achievements like the 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, the establishment of diplomatic relations with China, and the return of the Panama Canal to Panama. However, his administration faced significant challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis and an oil crisis that ultimately contributed to Ronald Reagan’s electoral victory.
Jill Stuckey, superintendent of the National Park Service’s Jimmy Carter historical site and a longtime family friend, expressed pride in Carter’s milestone: “We are thrilled that the president from this little town is going to be the only president to ever live to be 100 years old.”
In Plains, celebrations included a naturalization ceremony for 100 new U.S. citizens at Plains High School, where Carter graduated in 1941. Newly naturalized citizens shared their admiration for Carter’s contributions, with Adriana Vickers, originally from Brazil, stating, “He did so much for America,” and Carlene Ford from Jamaica adding, “He’s for everybody, he’s for the people.”
The skies over Plains were filled with excitement as four F-18 jets and two vintage planes flew over as part of the festivities.
Known for his devout Baptist faith and a moralistic approach, Carter remains politically engaged. According to family members, he is motivated to vote in the upcoming November election and plans to use a mail-in ballot. “He’s always been very politically active, and nothing has changed in that respect,” Stuckey noted.
In Plains, signs supporting both Trump and Carter’s centennial coexist, reflecting the community’s complex political landscape. Carl Lowell, a lifelong Plains resident, remarked, “Jimmy’s a good man, he’s a godly man, and that’s what people like about him.”