Jimmy Carter Turns 100! Longest-Living President Achieves a Historic Milestone 19 Months After Entering Hospice

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Diana Walker/Getty

Diana Walker/Getty

Jimmy Carterhas turned 100 years old, achieving a once-unthinkable milestone more than 19 months afterentering hospice care.

The 39th president of the United States, who is the oldestliving former presidentandlongest-living president in U.S. history, has certainly made the most of the past century.

Whether through his military service, contributions to foreign affairs as president, diplomatic efforts, Sunday school lessons, or volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity well into his 90s, Carter has always aimed to make a meaningful impact.

“I had only one life to live, and I wanted to live it as a civilian, with a potentially fuller opportunity for varied public service,” he wrote in his 2010 memoir,White House Diary.

PhotoQuest/Getty

Though he made arare public appearanceat his late wifeRosalynn Carter’s funeral last November, Carter is “physically limited” and spends his time at home with loved ones.

“This is animportant 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 toldPEOPLElast September, a few months after his grandfather entered hospice. “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.”

Former President Jimmy Carter’s most recent public appearance at his wife Rosalynn’s funeral on Nov. 29, 2023.ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty

ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty

In September, several stars and loved ones gathered for a tribute concert in Atlanta organized to honor the former president’s milestone birthday.

Called “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song,” the event featured performances from Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Eric Church, GROUPLOVE, Maren Morris, The War And Treaty and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer.

Jason, who chairs the Carter Center,caught up with PEOPLEat the concert to offer an update on his grandfather’s health.

“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 PEOPLE. “But he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving.”

As part of his birthday celebration on Oct. 1, the tribute concert will be streamed onGeorgia Public Broadcasting, where President Carter is expected to watch.

source: people.com