Former President Jimmy Carter is set to celebrate his 100th birthday this Tuesday, becoming the first U.S. president to reach the century mark. As tributes pour in from across the nation and around the world, Carter’s milestone is being hailed as a testament to a lifetime dedicated to public service, humanitarian efforts, and advocacy for peace.
The celebrations, already underway, honor Carter’s enduring legacy both as the 39th President of the United States and as a global humanitarian. Known for his work after leaving the White House, Carter has spent decades championing causes ranging from disease eradication to election monitoring and affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity. These accomplishments have earned him widespread respect and admiration, even among those who may not have agreed with his political positions during his presidency.
In a special tribute, the Carter family has opened up to provide a rare glimpse into the former president’s long life, sharing memories and stories that highlight his commitment to serving others. The family has reflected on how Carter, despite his advanced age, continues to inspire them and many others through his humility, faith, and perseverance. While his health has been in decline in recent years, Carter remains a symbol of endurance, having survived numerous health challenges, including cancer, and continuing to live in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
Mark Strassman, a journalist who has covered Carter’s life extensively, recently sat down with members of the Carter family for an intimate interview, sharing details of the former president’s routines and reflections in his later years. According to his family, Carter’s 100th birthday is not only a celebration of his longevity but also a recognition of a lifetime of meaningful impact. His daughter, Amy Carter, described her father as a man who has “always believed in the power of kindness” and who “sees every day as an opportunity to make the world a better place.”
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Carter grew up during the Great Depression, an experience that shaped his views on poverty and inequality. After serving in the U.S. Navy and later taking over the family peanut farm, Carter entered politics, eventually serving as Georgia’s governor before his election to the presidency in 1976. Though his time in office was marked by domestic and international challenges—such as the Iran hostage crisis and economic difficulties—his post-presidential career transformed his legacy.
In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts to promote peace and democracy around the world. His work with the Carter Center, founded with his wife, Rosalynn, has tackled critical global issues, including conflict resolution, human rights, and health initiatives aimed at eliminating diseases like Guinea worm and river blindness.
As Carter approaches this incredible milestone, the world has joined in paying tribute to his remarkable life. The former president’s centennial will include messages from world leaders, public events in Plains, and commemorations from the numerous organizations he has supported over the years. The celebration also comes at a time when Carter’s legacy as a humanitarian statesman has perhaps never been more appreciated.
Despite no longer being active in public life, Carter’s influence continues through his ongoing work with the Carter Center and the many initiatives he helped start. As he turns 100, Americans reflect on a leader who has remained dedicated to the same core values throughout his life: honesty, compassion, and a relentless drive to serve those in need.
The milestone is a reminder not just of Carter’s political career but of his lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others, both at home and abroad. The world now joins in wishing Jimmy Carter a happy 100th birthday, a celebration of not only his longevity but of a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
