Former President Jimmy Carter celebrates his 100th birthday on Tuesday, marking the first U.S. president to turn 100.
From 1977 to 1981, Carter served as the 39th president of the United States. He also served as a state senator from 1963 to 1967 and as governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975.
His hometown of Plains, Georgia, where Carter is in hospice care, put on a celebration of his life to commemorate the milestone. There was a military flyover featuring four F-18 jets, which were developed when Carter was president, and a community concert, including country musician Brent Cobb and pianist David Osborne, who has been playing before the Carters for three decades, according to the Washington Post.
Here are some reactions to Carter’s milestone.
The White House set up a “100” display with a ribbon intertwined that read, “Happy Birthday President Carter,” to commemorate the day.
President Joe Biden also expressed his sincerity toward Carter’s service. In 1976, Biden endorsed Carter for president and was, at the time, the first elected official outside of Georgia to endorse Carter.
“Your hopeful vision of our country, your commitment to a better world, and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continues to be a guiding light for all of us,” Biden said in a birthday message released to CBS News on Sunday.
“Even after you left office, the moral clarity you showed throughout your career showed through again in your commitment through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity — resolving conflicts, advancing democracy, preventing disease, and so much more. It’s transforming the lives of people not only at home but around the world,” Biden said.
“Mr. President, you’ve always been a moral force for our nation and the world. I recognized that as a young senator. That’s why I supported you so early. You’re a voice of courage, conviction, compassion, and most of all, a beloved friend of Jill and me and our family,” he continued.
Vice President Kamala Harris posted a video wishing him a happy birthday. Carter said his last wish before he dies is to cast a ballot for Harris. Early voting in Georgia starts Oct. 15.
“Happy Birthday President Carter. The world is so much better because of your leadership, your work, your commitment to peace, to decency, to democracy,” Harris said.
Former President Barack Obama also posted a video highlighting his admiration for Carter.
Former President Bill Clinton also commemorated the day.
Jimmy Carter’s long, good life is a testament to love, work, and faith, and an enduring beacon to all people working to make better tomorrows. Happy 100th birthday, Mr. President. https://t.co/C8ZBGwasv3
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) October 1, 2024
Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) declared Oct. 1 “Jimmy Carter Day” to commemorate his birthday, sharing the proclamation in a post to X.
On former President Jimmy Carter’s 100th Birthday, I have declared today “Jimmy Carter Day” in the State of Georgia to recognize his legacy as our 76th Governor and 39th President. Marty, the girls, and I send him best wishes as he and his family celebrate this milestone. pic.twitter.com/LrVsvr75jA
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) October 1, 2024
Other Georgia elected officials, including Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), and Rep. David Scott (D-GA), posted tributes to him to honor the historic occasion.
Jimmy Carter entered end-of-life hospice care in February of 2023 at 98 years old. Today, he turns 100 years old—an achievement for any human.
Happy birthday, Mr. President! pic.twitter.com/4e9kmQXh76
— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) October 1, 2024
Happy birthday to a true Georgian, former President and my friend, Jimmy Carter! President Carter, devoted his life to making our world better for others. He embodies what it means to be a good citizen of our nation. Join me in wishing our 39th President a very happy birthday. pic.twitter.com/ICyt4cUv5w
— Rep. David Scott (@repdavidscott) October 1, 2024
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Other elected officials, including Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD), and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), expressed their admiration and gratitude to the former president.
Happy 100th bday Pres Jimmy Carter Ur decades of humanitarian work & dedication to the Lord are things I admire abt u
— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) October 1, 2024
On behalf of the State of Maryland, First Lady @DawnFlytheMoore and I wish President Carter a joyful 100th birthday and thank him for a lifetime of dedication to service, human rights, and compassion that has shaped our nation and the world.
by Nick Wass (Associated Press) pic.twitter.com/T0eHSvDfx1
— Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) October 1, 2024
Wishing a happy 100th birthday to America’s longest-living former president, Jimmy Carter. America thanks him for his lifetime of service to our nation and for his radiant decency, bravery and compassion.
— Rep. Jamie Raskin (@RepRaskin) October 1, 2024
The U.S. Naval Institute also posted for Carter, noting he is the only U.S. president to have graduated from the Naval Academy.
