‘A moral force for a nation.’ Georgia’s Jimmy Carter celebrates his 100th birthday
Former Democratic President Jimmy Carter, a Plains native, turned 100 years old Tuesday.
Carter, the 39th president of the United States, is the oldest living president and longest-lived president in U.S. history. Two days prior to his birthday, current President Joe Biden wished the Georgia native well.
“Mr. president, you’ve always been a moral force for a nation and the world,” Biden said, delivering remarks on “CBS Sunday Morning.”
“ ... You’re a voice of courage, conviction, compassion, and most of all a beloved friend of (First Lady) Jill (Biden) and me and our family.”
Carter was elected in 1976, defeating sitting President Gerald Ford. He served in the White House from 1977 to 1981, and lost his reelection bid to Republican Ronald Reagan.
Carter also was governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975, a member of the state Senate from 1963 to 1967 and a member of the U.S. Navy.
Carter’s wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, died in November at age 96. In February 2023, Jimmy Carter went into hospice care in his hometown of Plains, according to his family.
Even at 99, and in hospice care, Carter has been involved in politics. His grandson, Jason Carter, said during the Democratic National Convention that Jimmy Carter was excited to get the chance to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Celebrations for his birthday include a benefit concert and an effort to build 30 homes in his name.
This story was originally published October 1, 2024 at 5:00 AM.