On Tuesday, Jimmy Carter celebrates his 100th birthday, achieving an incredible milestone as the longest-living U.S. president in history.

Born James Earl Carter Jr. on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, he continues to live there. A member of the Democratic Party, Carter started his career as a peanut farmer, later becoming a state senator and the governor of Georgia before serving as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981.

After his presidency, he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, established the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy and global development. In 2002, Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in promoting social and economic development, mediating international conflicts, and advocating for human rights.

In 2015, Carter was diagnosed with cancer that spread to his brain. He entered hospice care in February 2023, and his grandson, Jason Carter, indicated in May that the former president was “approaching the end.” However, shortly after, Jason mentioned that Carter was eager to participate in the upcoming presidential election.

The First U.S. President to Turn 100

Carter makes history as both the longest-lived president and the first to celebrate a 100th birthday in the United States.

Prior to Carter, the longest-living presidents included George H. W. Bush, who passed away at 94 in 2018, Gerald Ford at 93 in 2006, and Ronald Reagan at 93 in 2004.

The current president, Joe Biden, at 81, holds the title of the oldest serving president. However, this record could be surpassed by former President Donald Trump, who is 78, if he wins the upcoming election.

Voting for Harris

Carter told his son Chip, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “I’m simply trying to live long enough to vote for Kamala Harris.”

During the second night of the Democratic National Convention, Jason Carter confirmed that his grandfather intends to vote for Harris, stating that she embodies the legacy of service that Carter represents.

At the convention, he remarked, “She serves as a reminder that the promise of America remains intact. We are one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. My grandfather is confident that, with her as our next president, we will uphold that promise.”

Over 20 Months in Hospice Care

In August, Jason Carter shared with YSL News that while his grandfather is largely physically inactive, he remains mentally aware of the ongoing events, especially the 2024 election.

The former president has now spent more than 18 months in hospice care.

This February marked a year for Carter in hospice care, which is significantly longer than the typical duration. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization states that around 75% of hospice patients spend less than three months in care as they approach end-of-life stages.

In their announcement about his hospice entry, the Carter Center expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and respect for the privacy of Carter’s family during this time.

The family expressed, “We are grateful that his choice to enter hospice care last year has led to such significant family conversations nationwide about this crucial topic.”

Dr. Tammie Quest, Director of Emory University’s Palliative Care Center in Georgia, commented that although about 10% of patients remain in hospice care for more than 264 days, Carter’s case is not unusual from the perspective of medical professionals.

“When we can alleviate suffering and assist family caregivers caring for patients, we find that overall outcomes improve significantly,” Quest noted in an interview with YSL News back in February.

The Legacy of Rosalynn Carter

Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter shared 77 years of marriage, marking them as the longest-married couple in the history of U.S. presidents. Rosalynn passed away in November at the age of 96.

She was remembered for her strong advocacy for mental health and entered hospice care just days before her passing. The Carters had four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren together.

“Rosalynn was my equal partner in every achievement,” stated Jimmy Carter regarding her death, as shared through a statement from the Carter Center. “She provided me with wise counsel and support when it was needed most. With Rosalynn in the world, I always felt loved and backed.”

Rosalynn is also credited for redefining the role of the first lady into a full-time position. She was the groundbreaking first spouse to establish an office in the East Wing of the White House and to hire a dedicated staff.

The last public appearance made by Jimmy Carter was during her funeral in November.