Oct 1, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Jimmy Carter makes history as he turns 100

Rebecca Falconer

Former President Jimmy Carter departs after the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church, in Plains, Georgia, on November 29, 2023. — Former President Carter in Plains, Georgia, following the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter in November 2023. Photo: Alex Brandon/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Jimmy Carter, the oldest surviving and longest-living U.S. president, set a new record on Tuesday.

The big picture: Oct. 1 marks his 100th birthday — making Carter the first president to reach triple digits, and a series of events celebrating the feat are planned in his home state of Georgia.

These include "Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song," a celebration in Atlanta of the former president, peanut farmer, governor and humanitarian's life and legacy, which Georgia Public Broadcasting is airing from 7pm Tuesday ET.

Zoom in: Carter will watch the broadcast that will feature acts including Chuck Leavell, D-Nice and Drive-By Truckers while celebrating his milestone with his family in his hometown of Plains, his grandson Jason Carter told GPB on Monday.

"There's going to be some festivities in Plains where people are celebrating," said Jason Carter, who's chair of the board of trustees of the Carter Center.
"But for him, I think it's going to be spent with family and with exciting celebrations of his love for music."
Jason Carter told GPB that the former president, who entered hospice care some 19 months ago, was "engaged in our politics" and "excited to cast a ballot" for Vice President Kamala Harris.

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Jimmy Carter makes history as he turns 100

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