Jimmy Carter at ‘very end’ of his ‘journey’ as he turns 100

Jimmy Carter reached a huge milestone on October 1 when he turned 100. He is the first U.S. president to live a full century.

While people celebrated, his grandson said Carter is now “very limited” in what he can do. This is a part of his “journey” that he can only go through at “the very end.”

On October 1, Carter’s family and friends met in Plains, Georgia, his hometown, to celebrate his 100th birthday. It was his first without his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away after 77 years of marriage.

“We know this is the first birthday without Rosalynn. It’s bittersweet, but she’s still with you,” said President Joe Biden in a message to his friend.

“She’s in your heart and will never leave. She may be gone, but she’s always with you in spirit.”

Rosalynn Carter, also from Plains, died on November 19 at the age of 96. Carter, who uses a wheelchair, hasn’t been seen much, but he did attend her memorial service.

Biden, who supported Carter’s presidential campaign in 1976, praised him. “Even after you left office, your moral clarity was clear through your work at the Carter Center and with Habitat for Humanity. Mr. President, I admire you so much.”

The birthday party took place at Carter’s home in Plains, where he lives in hospice care. It’s the same house he built with Rosalynn in the 1960s.

His grandson Jason told *Southern Living* that this home has always given him the most comfort and support. “It’s where he wanted to spend this time of his life,” Jason said. “It’s his home in every way, and he really appreciates that support.”

Jason, a 49-year-old lawyer and politician, is the son of Carter’s first-born, Jack, who is 77. Jason is also the oldest of Carter’s 22 grandchildren.

He added, “There’s no other place in the world where he would feel at peace except for Plains.”

In the interview with *Southern Living*, Jason talked about how hard it’s been for his grandad since Rosalynn’s passing.

“After 77 years of marriage, none of us can fully understand what it’s like for him right now. We just have to accept that there are some things about the human spirit that we can’t explain.”

According to the Associated Press, Carter’s 74-year-old son Chip, the second-born, was one of the many family members who came to celebrate his birthday.

People ate cupcakes outside, while old World War II planes flew over to honor him. Later, they watched the vice-presidential debate together on TV.

Chip told AP that his dad stays involved and wants to live long enough to vote in the next election. “Two months ago, I asked him if he was trying to live to be 100. He said, ‘No, I’m trying to live to vote for Kamala Harris.’”

Jason, who chairs the Carter Center, told AP that reaching 100 years old is rare. “Not everyone gets 100 years, and when someone does, and they’ve done so much good, it’s worth celebrating,” he said.

He added, “The last 19 months, while he’s been in hospice, gave our family and the world time to reflect on his life. It’s been a really special time.”

Jason gave an update on his grandfather’s health in September 2024. He told *People* that Carter is “physically limited” and rarely leaves the house.

“He’s physically weaker and can’t do much on his own, but he’s still emotionally present, laughing, and loving.”

Jason said, “This part of his journey is special because it’s something you only go through at the very end. In that way, it has been meaningful for him.”

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