The 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter, turns 100 today, October 1. He has made history as the oldest-ever American president and the first to reach 100.
Carter was married to his wife, Rosalynn, for 77 incredible years. The couple married in 1947 and together they had four children. Rosalynn died in 2023 at the age of 96. She would have been 97 last month.
It has now been almost 44 years since Carter left office, following the epoch-making election in 1980, where he was easily defeated by the Hollywood movie star and Republican candidate, Ronald Reagan, who first promised to “make America great again,” a slogan later adopted by President Donald Trump.
Jimmy Carter was a one-term president. After coming to office in 1976 by defeating Gerald Ford, he could not win his re-election. A combination of economic issues such as inflation and the botched American hostage deal in Tehran with the Islamic government of Ayatollah Khomeini plummeted his popularity and contributed to the end of his presidency.
A Good And Peaceful President
Carter does not rank highly in polls of great American presidents. As one former speechwriter, perhaps harshly, put it, his time in the White House was labeled the “passionless presidency.”
But presidents are defined by more than their presidency. As Carter turns 100, it’s an apt time to reflect on a unique life after the Oval Office: one with relevance to key global issues of our time.
Carter’s post-presidential career cemented his reputation as a global humanitarian. His greatest presidential achievement, the Camp David Accords, established peace between Israel and Egypt in 1978.
After leaving office, Carter turned his focus to human rights, conflict resolution, and charity work. “His tireless efforts for peace and democracy earned him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002,” recalled his grandson, Jason Carter. He also championed affordable housing, working with Habitat for Humanity for decades.
Carter’s humility and connection to his roots stand out. He and his late wife Rosalynn returned to Plains after leaving the White House, living in a modest home. He has lived in Plains for over 80 years, a small town in Georgia, now home to only about 700 people.
Despite his political defeats, Carter is remembered for his decency. “There’s a fundamental goodness about him that transcends politics,” said James Fallows, a former aide.
As Carter celebrates his 100th year, he remains a powerful symbol of integrity and commitment to public service.
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