President Jimmy Carter Turns 100 Years Old
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating his 100th birthday on October 1, 2024. This achievement makes him the first president in U.S. history to become a centenarian.
The second longest-lived U.S. president is George H.W. Bush, who lived to be 94 years and 171 days old. He served as the 41st president from 1989 to 1993 and held the record for the longest life until it was surpassed by Jimmy Carter, who recently turned 100 years old on October 1, 2024
Historic Presidency and Post-Presidential Accomplishments
Jimmy Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. While his presidency was marked by significant achievements, it is his post-presidential work that has truly defined his legacy.
After leaving office, Carter devoted himself to humanitarian causes, which ultimately earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His commitment to public service has been exemplified through his decades-long involvement with Habitat for Humanity, an organization that continues to honor him by building 30 homes in Minnesota this week.
Celebrations and Tributes
To commemorate this historic occasion, several events have been organized:
- A military flyover in his hometown of Plains, Georgia
- Naturalization ceremonies for 100 new citizens in his honor
- A star-studded concert in Atlanta that raised over $1.2 million for The Carter Center
Personal Life and Longevity
Carter attributes his longevity to his strong personal relationships, particularly his marriage to Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 96. Their 77-year marriage was the longest of any first couple in U.S. history.
Despite being in hospice care since February 2023, Carter remains “emotionally engaged and aware of the world,” according to his grandson Jason Carter. The former president has even expressed his desire to vote in the upcoming election.
As the longest-living U.S. president, Jimmy Carter’s centennial birthday not only marks a personal milestone but also a significant moment in American history.
