President Joe Biden, in a video posted on his official X account, hailed Jimmy Carter as a beloved friend and one of the most influential statesmen in U.S. history. Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday, becoming the first U.S. president to reach the century mark, marking another extraordinary milestone for the one-time peanut farmer who ascended to the White House.

Carter's longevity has exceeded all expectations. He began hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, more than 19 months ago and continues to defy the odds. No longer regularly appearing in public, he spent his birthday in the home he and his late wife, Rosalynn, built in the 1960s. A lunch with about 20 members of his extended family took place, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Your hopeful vision of our country, your commitment to a better world and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continues to be a guiding light for all of us, Biden said. First Lady Jill Biden's office announced a special display on the White House lawn conveying the message, Happy Birthday President Carter.

Although President Carter only served a single term from 1977 to 1981, his post-presidency years were marked by significant achievements in global diplomacy and humanitarian work. In 1982, he founded the Carter Center to pursue world peace and human rights initiatives. His presidency is remembered for the 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, the establishment of U.S. diplomatic relations with China, and the return of the Panama Canal to Panama. However, his term also faced challenges, notably the Iran hostage crisis and the energy crisis of 1979-1980, which contributed to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election.

We are thrilled that the president from this little town is going to be the only president to ever live to be 100 years old, said Jill Stuckey, superintendent of the National Park Service's Jimmy Carter historical site. Plains High School, where Carter graduated in 1941 and which now serves as the visitor center for the national park featuring sites from his early life, held an evening concert and a naturalization ceremony for 100 new U.S. citizens.

A devout Baptist and self-described born-again Christian, Carter is celebrated for his moral integrity and civility. According to family members, his enduring health can be credited to his healthy lifestyle and faith. Carter remains engaged in politics, having eagerly anticipated reaching 100 years old to vote in the November election. Stuckey confirmed he plans to cast his vote by mail.

In Plains, a town with strong evangelical Christian influences, it's common to see yard signs celebrating Carter's centennial birthday next to those supporting Donald Trump. Carl Lowell, a 59-year-old retired firefighter and long-time friend of the Carters, expressed his admiration, saying, Jimmy's a good man, he's a godly man, and that's what people like about him.

Jason Carter, his grandson, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significance of the past 19 months of hospice care as a period of reflection for their family and the broader public. These last 19 months have been an opportunity for our family to reflect, he said, and for the rest of the country and the world to reflect about him. It has been a really gratifying time.

The Carter Center, co-founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn in 1982, continues its mission to promote peace, fight disease, and build hope. Jason Carter, the current leader of the Carter Center's board, emphasized his grandfather's enduring impact. When someone reaches 100 years in this world and uses that time to do so much good for so many people, it deserves celebration, he said.

In honor of Carter's birthday, a concert was aired featuring country, rock, and gospel musicians, which was recorded the previous month at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The event raised over $1 million for the Carter Center's international programs. Former President Carter, now 100, watched the concert on Georgia Public Broadcasting, according to his grandson Jason.

The Carters' residence in Plains, where they lived for over 80 years, witnessed the somber yet hopeful days leading to Rosalynn's passing in November 2023. Her funeral was the last public appearance of Jimmy Carter, where he was seen in a wheelchair at nearly 99 years old. The Biden administration honored him with a display at the White House and a pre-recorded message from President Biden.

Jimmy Carter's humanitarian work, particularly through Habitat for Humanity, remains an essential part of his legacy. To commemorate his milestone, Habitat for Humanity volunteers, including country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yarwood, dedicated the week leading up to his birthday to building 30 houses in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The life of Jimmy Carter exemplifies resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Whether through peaceful mediations, humanitarian efforts, or robust political activity, Carter's century-old journey continues to inspire and lead by example.