Jimmy Carter reached an incredible achievement on October 1 when he celebrated his 100th birthday, making him the first U.S. president to live for a whole century.
Amid the celebrations, his grandson reveals the centenarian is “very limited in what he can do,” and that this “journey” is “one” he can only experience at “the very end.”
On October 1, family and friends of Jimmy Carter gathered in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, to celebrate his 100th birthday, the first without his wife of 77 years.
This is the first birthday without Rosalynn, and it feels a bit sad, but we also understand that she’s still with you in spirit, President Joe Biden shares in a birthday message to his dear friend. “She lives on in your heart and will never truly leave you. Even though she’s not here, she will always be by your side. You feel her presence, and I know you realize that.”
The former first lady, also from Plains, died November 19 at age 96. Carter – who uses a wheelchair for mobility – is rarely seen but did appear at his late wife’s memorial service.
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
Biden, one of the first sitting senators to endorse Carter’s 1976 campaign, continues of the former Commander-in-Chief, “Even after you left office, the moral clarity you showed throughout your career showed through again in your commitment through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity…Put simply, Mr. President, I admire you so darn much.”
The milestone birthday bash was held at the Plains home where the Nobel Peace Prize laureate lives in hospice, the same one he built with Rosalynn in the 1960s.
Jason, his grandson, shared with Southern Living that this place has been the most supportive for him and is the only spot he would want to be during this time in his life. He added, “It’s his true home, and he really values that time and all the help he received there.”
Jason, 49, a lawyer and politician, is the eldest son of Carter’s first born, Jack, 77, and the eldest of 22 grandchildren.
He adds, “There is no other place in the world that he would be at peace other than Plains.”
Happy 98th Birthday Papa! We love you! @CarterCenter pic.twitter.com/41YxwU2lz8
— Jason Carter (@SenatorCarter) October 1, 2022
In an interview with Southern Living, Jason talks about how hard things have been for his granddad since Rosalynn passed away. He says, “After being married for 77 years… I don’t think any of us can truly grasp what he’s going through at this moment.” He also mentions, “We need to accept that there are some things about the spirit that are just beyond our understanding.”
Cupcakes and jets
The Associated Press says that Chip, who is 74 years old and the second child of the former first couple, was one of many family members and friends who gathered to celebrate Carter’s birthday.
Revelers had cupcakes on the lawn while antique World War II planes flew above in his honor. And in the evening, guests collected around the TV, watching the vice-presidential debate.
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
“He’s plugged in,” Chip tells AP, explaining his father intends to live long enough to cast his vote on Election Day. “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 leads the Carter Center, talks about his grandfather and says to AP, “It’s not every day that someone lives to be 100 years old. When a person reaches that age and has done so much good for others, it’s definitely something to celebrate.”
He adds, “These last few months, 19 months, now that he’s been in hospice, it’s been a chance for our family to reflect…and then for the rest of the country and the world to really reflect on him. That’s been a really gratifying time.”
‘Physically limited’
Jason shared with People in September 2024 that his grandad is having some health issues. He mentioned that his grandad is “physically limited” and doesn’t go out much anymore.
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
“He has really physically diminished and can’t do much on his own. But he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving.”
He mentions that this is a crucial moment in his journey, something you can only go through at the very end of your life. He believes that this has been a really significant time for him.
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