Jimmy Carter has hit a massive milestone as he celebrates his 100th birthday today!
The former President of the United States has cemented himself in history as the oldest living former president and longest-living president in U.S. history just over a year after entering hospice care.
Carter took office in 1977 and served one term until 1981 when he was defeated by the later Republican President Ronald Reagen who succeeded him during the Iran hostage crisis, but despite it being a short stint, he managed to make an impact on global audiences until the present day.
From his trailblazing thoughts on climate change to his amazing charity work all the way down to his solar farm that powers half the entire town, the 100-year-old has certainly left a mark on the world that will be appreciated for generations to come.
More recently the former president turned to hospice care after a series of hospital visits.
A statement issued by the Carter Center back in February 2023 read: “After a series of short hospital stays, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention.
“He has the full support of his family and his medical team. The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers.”
His grandson Jason Carter spoke to PEOPLE in an interview, telling them while the senior has taken a step back from his work due to how physically diminished he is, he is still enjoying his time surrounded by his loved ones.
“This is an important part of his faith journey, and it’s one that you don’t get to experience at any other time in your life except for the very end,” Jason told PEOPLE last September, a few months after his grandfather entered hospice care. “And so in that way, I think this has been a really meaningful time for him, and it’s been a really reflective time for him.”
And, during a tribute concert that took place earlier last month called Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song, Jason had yet another update for fans.
“I mean he’s been in hospice for over 19 months now and he has really physically diminished and can’t do much on his own,” Jason told the outlet. “But he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving.”
We’re super happy to hear that the former president is spending time with his loved ones during this special time.
The tribute concert will be streamed on Georgia Public Broadcasting later today, so everyone, including Carter, can enjoy it.
Happy 100th birthday Jimmy Carter!