Atlanta, USA (DT) — Nobel laureate Jimmy Carter, the longest-living U.S. president in history, celebrates his 100th birthday on Tuesday, October 1.
Carter, a Democrat, served one term in office from January 1977 to January 1981. Following his presidency, he dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts, focusing on human rights and poverty alleviation globally, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
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“Reaching 100 years is a rare achievement, and when someone uses that time to do so much good for others, it’s truly worth celebrating,” said Jason Carter, the former president’s grandson and chair of The Carter Center governing board, in an interview.
His birthday, occurring 19 months after he entered hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, will be celebrated with a tribute concert featuring country, rock, and gospel music stars, recorded last month at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre.
The concert raised over $1 million for the international programs of the Carter Center, which he founded with his wife, Rosalynn Carter.
According to his grandson, Jason Carter, the former president plans to watch the concert on Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were married for 77 years. Rosalynn Carter passed away in November 2023, and the former president was last seen in public at her funeral, where he used a wheelchair and appeared frail.
In a birthday tribute, U.S. President Joe Biden described Jimmy Carter as “a moral force for our nation and the world.”
“Your hopeful vision for our country, your commitment to a better world, and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continue to guide us all,” the statement read.
The Carters have been involved with Habitat for Humanity International since the 1980s, with the former president regularly volunteering to help build homes for those affected by poverty or disasters.
To celebrate Carter’s birthday this week, numerous Habitat volunteers, including country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, will construct 30 homes in St. Paul, Minnesota, the organization announced.