On October 1, Jimmy Carter celebrated turning 100 years old and became the first American president to live to be 100 years old.
Carter’s grandson revealed that his grandfather is “very limited in what he can do” and that this time in his life is a “journey” that he is going through as the festivities were in full swing. In Plains, Georgia, on October 1, relatives and friends celebrated his 100th birthday—the first such event held without his 77-year wife.
“We are aware that Rosalynn is not here for her first birthday. In a birthday letter to his close friend, President Joe Biden said, “It’s bittersweet, but we also know she’s always with you.” She’s in your heart and will always be there. Even though she’s not here anymore, you will always have her. You are aware of her constant presence, I’m sure of it.
Plains-born too, the former first lady passed away on November 19 at the age of 96. Carter rarely appears in public because he is wheelchair-dependent, although he did show up for his wife’s memorial service.
“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,” stated Biden, one of the first senators in office to support Carter’s 1976 campaign.To put it simply, Mr. President, you have my undying admiration.
The landmark event was held at Carter’s Plains residence, which he and Rosalynn co-built in the 1960s and where the Nobel Peace Prize winner currently lives under hospice care.
Plains is “the place that has provided him with the greatest support, and it’s the only place he would choose to go through this stage of his life,” according to his grandson Jason, who spoke with Southern Living. “That’s his home in every sense,” Jason continued. “He really cherished that time and that support.”
As the eldest son of Carter’s firstborn, Jack, 77, Jason, 49, is a lawyer and politician. He is also the oldest of 22 grandchildren.
“There is no other place in the world other than Plains that he would be at peace,” he added.
Jason discussed the difficulties his grandfather has had following Rosalynn’s death in an interview with Southern Living. “I just don’t think any of us really understand what it’s like for him right now, after 77 years of marriage.” “We have to accept that there are things about the spirit that you just can’t understand,” he said.
Jets and cupcakes
The second child of the former first couple, Carter’s 74-year-old son Chip, was one of the many family members and friends who came to celebrate his birthday, according to the Associated Press.
Cupcakes were served on the lawn while vintage World War II aircraft soared overhead in celebration of him. Guests gathered around the TV later in the evening to watch the vice-presidential debate.
Jason, the chairman of the Carter Center, told the AP that he was impressed with his grandfather and that “he’s plugged in.” “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 said.
“Not everybody gets to live to be 100 years old, and when somebody does, and they use that time to do so much good for so many people, it’s worth celebrating,” says Jason, the chairman of the Carter Center, thanking his grandfather.
He went on, “Now that he’s been in hospice care for the past 19 months, our family has had some time to contemplate.and after that, for the entire nation and the world to truly consider him. It’s been a truly fulfilling experience.
“Restricted Physically”
Giving some information about his grandfather’s present state of health, Jason revealed to “People” in September 2024 that his grandfather is “physically limited” and does not get out much.
He’s become very physically weak and is unable to do much on his own. However, he is still experiencing emotions, smiling, and loving.
“This is a crucial portion of his journey—one you don’t get to experience at any other point in your life save the very end,” he continues.Thus, I believe that he has had a truly important experience throughout this period.
