By Jimmy Carter, the longest-living U.S. president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, marks his 100th birthday on Tuesday, reaching a milestone that few have achieved in American politics.
Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981, entered hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, 19 months ago. Despite health challenges, including cancer, the former president plans to watch a tribute concert broadcast on Georgia Public Broadcasting, according to his grandson, Jason Carter.
The concert, recorded last month at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, features performances by country, rock, and gospel music stars. It raised over $1 million for the international programs of the Carter Center, which the former president founded with his late wife, Rosalynn.
President Joe Biden praised Carter in a birthday statement, saying, “Your hopeful vision of our country, your commitment to a better world, and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continues to be a guiding light for all of us.”
Carter’s post-presidency work, focusing on human rights and poverty alleviation worldwide, earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His dedication to humanitarian causes has left a lasting impact, particularly through his work with Habitat for Humanity International since the 1980s.
To commemorate Carter’s centennial, Habitat for Humanity is organizing a build of 30 homes in St. Paul, Minnesota, with volunteers including country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
Jonathan Reckford, Habitat’s CEO, stated, “The Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project serves not only as a way to honor the Carters’ legacy but also as a reminder of what is possible when people from all walks come together to work toward one common goal.”
Carter’s birthday comes less than a year after the passing of Rosalynn Carter in November 2023, ending their 77-year marriage. The former president was last seen in public at his wife’s funeral, where he appeared in a wheelchair.
As Carter reaches this remarkable age, his legacy as both a political leader and humanitarian continues to inspire generations of Americans and people around the world.
