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Capitol Lens | A century of service: Jimmy Carter

Former president celebrates his 100th birthday on Tuesday

Former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter arrive at the Capitol on Jan. 20, 2009, for President Barack Obama’s first inauguration.
Former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter arrive at the Capitol on Jan. 20, 2009, for President Barack Obama’s first inauguration. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
By Chris Hale
Posted October 1, 2024 at 7:30am

Former President Jimmy Carter, the longest living president in U.S. history, will reach a milestone on Tuesday — his 100th birthday.

President Joe Biden sent a special birthday message to the former president on Sunday, ahead of the centennial celebrations. 

“Mr. President, you’ve always been a moral force for our nation and the world,” Biden said in the messsage. “We know this is the first birthday without Rosalynn. It’s bittersweet, but we also know she’s always with you,” Biden continued. “She’s in your heart; she’ll never go away.”

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter died last November at the age of 96. 

The former president, who entered hospice in February 2023, continues to spend his remaining time at home in Plains, Ga. 

Carter gives a State of the Union address in the House chamber during his presidency. Also seen are Vice President Walter Mondale, upper left, and Speaker Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill Jr. (CQ Roll Call archival photo)
Carter and his wife are seen at a Habitat for Humanity construction site in Atlanta in August 1992, with then-presidential and vice presidential candidates Bill Clinton and Al Gore. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
The Carters are seen at the Capitol on Jan. 20, 2001, for the inauguration of George W. Bush. (CQ Roll Call archival photo)
Carter and his wife wave to the crowd during the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

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