Against All Odds: Jimmy Carter nears 100th birthday, plans underway
ATLANTA - If anyone had asked 16 months ago, we wouldn't have thought that a 100th birthday party would be held for former President Jimmy Carter.
Carter entered hospice care in February 2023. At that time, doctors told the family he might have only days to live.
It has now been over 500 days since the family received that news.
Unfortunately, his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, did not survive as long after she entered hospice. Mrs. Carter entered hospice on Nov. 17, 2023, and died just two days later on Nov. 19, with Jimmy Carter at her side.
Mr. Carter's last public appearances were at his wife's memorial and funeral services.
RELATED: Jimmy Carter covered by blanket paying tribute to Rosalynn Carter during Atlanta service
At 99 years old, Carter is the longest-lived former U.S. president.
He has been the earliest-serving living former president since Gerald Ford's death in 2006. In 2012, he surpassed Herbert Hoover as the longest-retired president.
On Jan. 20, 2017, and Jan. 20, 2021, Carter became the first president to live to the 40th anniversary of his inauguration and post-presidency, respectively.
In 2017, Carter, then 92, became the oldest former president ever to attend an American presidential inauguration.
On March 22, 2019, he became the nation's longest-lived president when he surpassed the lifespan of George H. W. Bush, who died at the age of 94 years, 171 days, on Nov. 30, 2018.
Gerald Ford, the 38th president, was 93 years and 165 days when he passed away on Dec. 26, 2006.
Other living former presidents include Bill Clinton (77), George W. Bush (78), Barack Obama (62) and Donald Trump (78).
There are approximately 722,000 centenarians globally and between 97,000 and 108,000 in the United States. That includes several hundred in Georgia, according to the Georgia Centenarian Study.
Now that Mr. Carter has come this far, everyone seems hopeful that he'll be around to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Events celebrating Carter's 100th birthday that have already been planned include a 100-mile community bicycle ride in his home county and a free film festival in Atlanta organized by the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. The film festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sep. 28 and will feature some of Carter's favorite films.
The Carters enjoyed watching movies, and according to records, hundreds of movies were shown at the White House while Jimmy Carter was president. Additionally, when Carter was the governor of Georgia, he helped bring the film industry to the state by creating the state's film office.
Admission to the film festival will be free. On the day of his birthday, the library will follow its tradition of having the admission price match the former president's age.
The Plains, Trains, and Bike Chains bicycle ride takes place annually during the Plains Peanut Festival. The ride is normally 50 miles, but organizers are planning to increase it to 100 miles this year in recognition of Mr. Carter.
Although the organizers of the Plains Peanut Festival, which is taking place the Saturday before Carter's birthday, haven't made any announcements at this time, it seems like a safe bet that there will be a special focus on Mr. Carter and his birthday this year.
CenturyOfCarter.com (sign encouragement card)
In mid-June, Carter's grandson, former Georgia senator Jason Carter, gave an update to Southern Living. He told the magazine that his grandfather was "experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process" without his beloved longtime love. He also mentioned that Jimmy Carter is not awake every day but is still spending time with his family whenever he can.
RELATED: Jimmy Carter's grandson gives update on former president's health
Although Carter's presidency faced criticism from some, his popularity soared after leaving office, a testament to his enduring impact and legacy.
The Carters founded the Carter Center, which focuses on human rights, disease prevention, and conflict resolution worldwide, in 1982.
Throughout his life and career, Carter has been seen as a figure of integrity and humility. He garnered respect from both sides of the political aisle, and even those who disagreed with his policies as president often praised his contributions to humanitarian causes and global peace efforts.
Carter is also known for his approachable and down-to-earth nature and willingness to engage with people from all walks of life.
No matter how much longer he's with us, his absence will be deeply felt when he is gone.
Jimmy Carter's Accomplishments
During his Presidency (1977-1981):
- Camp David Accords (1978): Brokered a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel.
- Panama Canal Treaties (1977): Negotiated treaties that eventually handed control of the Panama Canal to Panama.
- Department of Energy: Established the Department of Energy to address energy crises.
- Department of Education: Created the Department of Education to improve educational systems.
- Energy Policy: Implemented energy conservation measures and promoted renewable energy sources.
- Human Rights: Promoted human rights as a central focus of U.S. foreign policy.
- SALT II Treaty (1979): Negotiated the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks II with the Soviet Union to limit nuclear arms.
After his Presidency:
- The Carter Center (1982): Founded the Carter Center to advance human rights and alleviate human suffering globally.
- Nobel Peace Prize (2002): Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of work in promoting peace and human rights.
- Election Monitoring: Played a significant role in monitoring elections in numerous countries to ensure fairness and transparency.
- Disease Eradication: Contributed to the near-eradication of Guinea worm disease through the Carter Center’s health programs.
- Habitat for Humanity: Actively supported and participated in Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes for those in need.
- Humanitarian Efforts: Engaged in numerous humanitarian missions and conflict resolution initiatives around the world.
Oldest presidents at time of death
George H. W. Bush
- Age at Death: 94 years, 171 days
- Date of Birth: June 12, 1924
- Date of Death: Nov. 30, 2018
Gerald Ford
- Age at Death: 93 years, 165 days
- Date of Birth: July 14, 1913
- Date of Death: Dec. 26, 2006
Ronald Reagan
- Age at Death: 93 years, 120 days
- Date of Birth: Feb. 6, 1911
- Date of Death: June 5, 2004
John Adams
- Age at Death: 90 years, 247 days
- Date of Birth: Oct. 30, 1735
- Date of Death: July 4, 1826
Herbert Hoover
- Age at Death: 90 years, 71 days
- Date of Birth: Aug. 10, 1874
- Date of Death: Oct. 20, 1964
Harry S. Truman
- Age at Death: 88 years, 232 days
- Date of Birth: May 8, 1884
- Date of Death: Dec. 26, 1972
James Madison
- Age at Death: 85 years, 104 days
- Date of Birth: March 16, 1751
- Date of Death: June 28, 1836
Thomas Jefferson
- Age at Death: 83 years, 82 days
- Date of Birth: April 13, 1743
- Date of Death: July 4, 1826
Richard Nixon
- Age at Death: 81 years, 103 days
- Date of Birth: Jan. 9, 1913
- Date of Death: April 22, 1994
John Quincy Adams
- Age at Death: 80 years, 227 days
- Date of Birth: July 11, 1767
- Date of Death: Feb. 23, 1848