Let me tell you something about Jimmy Carter—this man just turned 100 years old! That’s right, folks, on Tuesday, October 1, Jimmy Carter celebrated his centennial birthday. He entered hospice care 19 months ago at his humble home in Plains, Georgia, but here we are, still celebrating this remarkable man's life. Jimmy Carter is now the first former U.S. president to ever reach this milestone, and that's something worth talking about.

A Day to Remember: Carter’s Special Centennial

Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, was celebrated by millions of Americans on his special day. This wasn’t just any birthday; it was a moment to reflect on his incredible journey, his presidency, and his life after the White House. On his big day, his eldest grandson, Jason Carter, gave an update on his grandfather’s health, sharing how the family is handling this pivotal time.

Life After Presidency: A Grandson's Perspective

Jason Carter opened up about his grandfather’s current state to CBS News. “He’s very limited in what he can do,” Jason explained. “He can’t talk on the phone.” But despite these limitations, there’s still a spark of excitement in Jimmy’s eyes. Jason mentioned that his grandfather was thrilled about voting in the upcoming presidential election. Imagine that—this man, who once led the nation, is still eager to participate in its democracy, even at 100.

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Love and Loss: The Passing of Rosalynn Carter

Jimmy’s beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96. The couple tied the knot back in 1946, and their marriage lasted an incredible 77 years. “After 77 years of marriage... I just think none of us really understand what it’s like for him right now,” Jason said after his grandmother’s passing. “We have to embrace that fact, that there’s things about the spirit that you just can’t understand.”

Jason also shared a touching story about visiting his grandfather recently. They watched a Braves game together, which must have brought back some fond memories for Jimmy. Jason recounted, “I told him, I said: ‘Pawpaw, you know, when people ask me how you’re doing I say, ‘honestly I don’t know.’” Jimmy smiled and replied, “I don’t know, myself.” Moments like these remind us of the humanity behind the legacy.

Legacy Beyond Politics: A Family Man

Jimmy made an appearance at Rosalynn’s funeral, marking the poignant end of their nearly eight-decade love story. Together, they raised four children: sons John William ‘Jack,’ James Earl ‘Chip,’ Donnel Jeffrey ‘Jeff,’ and daughter Amy Carter. “He’s coming to the end, and he’s very, very physically diminished,” Jason told The New York Times before his grandmother’s funeral service. “He has been this moral rock for so many people, but she really was that rock for him.”

Jimmy Carter Celebrates 100th Birthday — SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Reflections on a Remarkable Life

Since entering hospice care, Jason has reflected deeply on his grandfather’s life and legacy. “It’s been 19 months since he went into hospice, and he’s really in the same situation,” Jason said. “And all of us are amazed by the longevity of this period for him, this period of reflection for us and for everyone else. But there’s still been virtually no change at all. And we’re still just excited to have as much of him as we do.”

Jason also shared some of his cherished memories and proudest moments with his grandfather. “One of the great joys for me, you know, not everybody gets to experience their grandfather until they’re almost 50 years old,” Jason said. “You know, my children are 18 and 15, they have really long, deep memories of their great-grandfather. Those personal relationships are real and impactful just in that way, you know.”

“The things that stop me in my tracks about my grandfather aren’t about his public legacy,” Jason added. “They’re about going fishing or him teaching my kids how to shoot a gun or how to clean a catfish. You know, those are the personal moments for me that are so meaningful.”