Jimmy Carter, the first American president to live a century, celebrated his 100th birthday on October 1st. While it was a joyous occasion, his grandson shared that this milestone comes with limitations, as Carter is “very limited in what he can do” at this stage of his life.
The birthday celebration took place in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s hometown, and was tinged with bittersweet emotions as it marked the first birthday without his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn. In a heartfelt message, President Joe Biden assured Carter that Rosalynn is always with him, forever in his heart.
Carter, who now relies on a wheelchair for mobility, appeared at his late wife’s memorial service, showcasing his unwavering commitment to family and resilience. President Biden, a longtime friend and supporter of Carter, praised his moral clarity and dedication to humanitarian work through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity.
The birthday festivities were held at the Plains home that Carter and Rosalynn built in the 1960s and now serves as his hospice. This place holds special meaning for Carter as it has provided him with tremendous support throughout his life. His grandson Jason emphasized the importance of this home, stating that there is no other place where Carter finds peace like Plains.
In an interview, Jason shared the difficulties Carter has faced since Rosalynn’s passing, highlighting that no one can truly understand what he’s going through after 77 years of marriage. Despite physical limitations, Carter remains emotionally engaged, cherishing the experiences, laughter, and love in his life. Jason believes that this stage of Carter’s journey is meaningful and should be celebrated.
The birthday celebration included cupcakes on the lawn and a tribute from antique World War II planes soaring above. As the evening descended, guests gathered around the television to watch the vice-presidential debate, further emphasizing Carter’s unwavering engagement in current events. Chip, Carter’s son, shared that his father’s determination is to live long enough to cast his vote on Election Day, expressing his support for Kamala Harris.
Reflecting on this milestone, Jason, who chairs the Carter Center, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on his grandfather’s remarkable life. He believes that when someone reaches 100 and dedicates their time to serving others, it is truly worth celebrating.
As we join in celebrating Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, let us share our birthday wishes in the comments section below. And don’t forget to share this inspiring story with your friends, so they can join in the celebration too!
