Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter marked his 99th birthday on October 1, surrounded by family and well-wishes from around the world. This milestone birthday comes as Carter spends time at home under hospice care, which he entered a year prior.
A Year in Hospice Care
Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, entered hospice care in February 2023. The former president, who is also a Nobel laureate and human rights advocate, has been receiving care at his home in Plains, Georgia, with his wife, Rosalynn, and other family members by his side.
Hospice care is a specialized type of care for those facing life-limiting illnesses. It focuses on providing comfort, dignity, and quality of life during the final stages of a person’s life.
A Life of Service
Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been dedicated to public service. After leaving the White House, he and Rosalynn founded the Carter Center, a non-profit organization focused on advancing human rights, alleviating suffering, and promoting democracy.
Carter’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He has also been a tireless advocate for issues such as affordable housing, mental health, and conflict resolution.
A Birthday Message from the Family
As Jimmy Carter celebrated his 99th birthday, his family released a statement, expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of support and well-wishes.
“We are so thankful for the love and support shown to President Carter and our family during this time,” the statement read. “His spirit remains strong, and he continues to be an inspiration to all of us who have had the privilege of knowing him and working alongside him.”
A Legacy of Inspiration
Jimmy Carter’s legacy extends far beyond his time in the White House. His dedication to public service, human rights, and social justice has inspired generations of leaders, both in the United States and around the world.
As he celebrates his 99th birthday, Carter continues to serve as a shining example of what it means to lead a life of purpose, compassion, and integrity.
Background on Jimmy Carter
James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr. (born October 1, 1924) is an American politician, businessman, and philanthropist who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work in human rights.
Carter, a Democrat, was born and raised in Plains, Georgia, where he lived most of his life. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1946, he served in the Navy, where he became a submariner and rose to the rank of lieutenant. In 1953, he returned to Plains and went into the family’s peanut farming business.
Carter’s political career began in 1963 when he was elected to the Georgia Senate. He served two terms in the Senate before being elected as the Governor of Georgia in 1971. As governor, he implemented a number of progressive reforms, including the abolition of the Georgia State Sentinel, the state’s official highway patrol.
In 1976, Carter ran for President of the United States and won the election, becoming the first president from the Deep South since Zachary Taylor in 1849. During his time in office, Carter created the Department of Education and the Department of Energy, negotiated the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and established full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
After leaving office, Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, founded the Carter Center, a non-profit organization focused on advancing human rights, alleviating suffering, and promoting democracy. Carter has also been a tireless advocate for issues such as affordable housing, mental health, and conflict resolution.
Carter and his wife have four children, 12 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. Carter celebrated his 99th birthday on October 1, 2023, surrounded by family and well-wishers. He continues to inspire generations of leaders with his dedication to public service, human rights, and social justice.
Achievements and Contributions of Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter’s achievements and contributions are vast and varied, spanning his time in public office, his work with the Carter Center, and his personal advocacy. Here are some of the key highlights:
Public Service: Carter’s career in public service spans over six decades, starting with his election to the Georgia Senate in 1963, followed by his tenure as the Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975, and his presidency from 1977 to 19
Human Rights: Carter has been a tireless advocate for human rights throughout his career. In 1980, he established the Carter Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing human rights, alleviating suffering, and promoting democracy. The Carter Center has monitored over 100 elections and worked to eradicate diseases such as Guinea worm and river blindness.
Peace Negotiations: Carter played a key role in negotiating the Camp David Accords in 1978, which led to a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. He also helped to normalize U.S.-China relations, establishing full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 19
Nobel Peace Prize: In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in human rights. The Nobel committee cited his “decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”
Environmental Policy**: As president, Carter created the Department of Energy and implemented a number of environmental policies, including the establishment of the Federal Energy Council and the creation of the Solar Energy Research Institute.
Personal Advocacy: Carter has been a vocal advocate for a range of issues, including affordable housing, mental health, and conflict resolution. He has also written over 30 books on topics such as aging, religion, and the Middle East.
Carter’s achievements and contributions have had a profound impact on the world, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of leaders to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Jimmy Carter Health
Jimmy Carter’s health has been the subject of media attention in recent years, particularly since he entered hospice care in February 2023. Carter, who is 99 years old, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2015, which spread to his brain. However, he received successful treatment and was declared cancer-free in 2016.
In recent years, Carter has faced a number of health challenges, including falls and injuries. In 2019, he fractured his hip and underwent surgery. In 2020, he received treatment for a urinary tract infection. In October 2021, Carter fell and required stitches, and then fell again in November 2021, hitting his forehead. This led to a minor bleed, and Carter received 14 stitches.
In February 2023, Carter’s family announced that he had entered hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his loved ones. Hospice care is a type of end-of-life care that focuses on comfort and quality of life.
Despite his health challenges, Carter has remained active and engaged in his work with the Carter Center and his personal advocacy. He celebrated his 99th birthday on October 1, 2023, surrounded by family and well-wishers.
