Former US President Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived president in American history, celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday with a bittersweet update on his health. Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, shared that the former president is now “very limited in what he can do,” revealing that Carter is unable to talk on the phone.
Despite his health limitations, Carter remains enthusiastic about voting in the upcoming elections. Jason Carter mentioned that his grandfather is excited to vote for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Early voting in Carter’s home state of Georgia is set to begin in just two weeks, adding to the significance of his milestone birthday.
Carter’s commitment to participating in the democratic process has been evident, as he expressed his desire to make it to the polls for Harris. The former president’s health update comes during a period when he is in hospice care since February 2023, following the passing of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in November 2023.
President Joe Biden, in a heartfelt message to Carter, acknowledged the challenge of celebrating this special birthday without his wife of 77 years by his side. Biden praised Carter as a “moral force for our nation and the world,” highlighting his contributions to conflict resolution, democracy promotion, and disease prevention. The president expressed admiration for Carter’s lifetime of service and friendship.
As a tribute to Jimmy Carter’s remarkable life, a concert will be held in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, on Tuesday evening. The event aims to honour Carter’s legacy and celebrate his impactful contributions to American politics and society.