Jimmy Carter Becomes First President to Turn 100
Former President Jimmy Carter is celebrating his 100th birthday on October 1, 2024, marking a historic milestone as the first American president to reach this age. Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981, has been in home hospice care in Plains, Georgia, since February 2023. Despite his frail health, he remains a significant figure in global affairs and politics, with his family and supporters celebrating his remarkable life and legacy.
Carter’s 100th birthday is being commemorated with various events in Plains, including a naturalization ceremony, a flyover by military jets, and a concert. The former president’s wish is to live long enough to vote in the upcoming presidential election, specifically for Vice President Kamala Harris. His grandson, Jason Carter, has noted that Jimmy Carter is looking forward to casting his vote, reflecting his continued engagement with global affairs and politics.
The Carter family and supporters are celebrating not only his longevity but also his enduring impact on democracy, human rights, and public health initiatives. The Carter Center, founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in 1982, continues to promote peace, combat disease, and instill hope globally. As President Biden expressed in a video message, “You’re one of the most influential statesmen in our history”.
