Former US President Jimmy Carter has reached a remarkable milestone, becoming the first American president in history to celebrate his 100th birthday.
On Tuesday, October 1st, Carter, who has been in hospice care since February 2023, marked his centennial birthday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
Carter’s longevity has surprised many, especially considering his health challenges. Despite being largely out of the public eye for over a year, he continues to inspire people across the world.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden joined in the celebrations, with Biden calling Carter a “beloved friend” and “one of the most influential statesmen” the world has known.
Biden praised Carter for his commitment to making the world a better place, highlighting his “hopeful vision” and his belief in the goodness of humanity.
“Your dedication to diplomacy and human rights continues to inspire us all,” said Biden in a video message shared on social media.
While the milestone is historic, Carter celebrated quietly. His birthday was marked by a small family gathering at the home he and his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, built in the 1960s.
Around 20 family members attended the intimate event, enjoying a birthday lunch together. Carter, a lifelong resident of Plains, has always been known for his simplicity, and his birthday was no different.
The small town of Plains, with a population of around 700 people, has always been proud of its most famous resident.
Jimmy Carter served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. Though his time in office was marked by several challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis and a severe energy crisis, Carter’s post-presidency years have truly defined his legacy.
After leaving the White House, Carter founded the Carter Center in 1982. The center became a symbol of his commitment to global peace, democracy, and human rights.
One of his most significant achievements as president was brokering the 1978 Camp David Accords, a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. This was a monumental moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy, and Carter’s work earned him lasting respect on the international stage.
Carter was also known for establishing formal diplomatic relations between the United States and China, building on the groundwork laid by President Richard Nixon.
Despite these accomplishments, Carter’s administration faced difficult times. High inflation, the Iranian revolution, and the oil crisis of 1979 weakened his presidency. These challenges paved the way for Ronald Reagan’s sweeping victory in the 1980 election.
