President Carter plans a day of quiet celebration of his 100th birthday in Plains

Caption

Jason Carter, Chair of the Carter Center's Board of Trustees welcomes the Fox Theatre audience to his grandfather's birthday concert, filmed in Atlanta on Sept. 17, 2024.

Credit: Courtesy of the Carter Center

Former President Jimmy Carter is set to make history Tuesday by reaching the century mark at 100. Carter — already the longest living president — will spend the day with his family in hometown of Plains. His grandson and the chair of the board of trustees of the Carter center, Jason Carter, spoke with GPB’s Peter Biello.

Peter Biello: What does this milestone mean for your family?

Jason Carter: You know, I think when you think about my grandfather having lived for 100 years, there's so many things packed into that. It's really unbelievable just to imagine this century and what he has seen in his life, the transformation of our world in so many ways. Obviously, the — the arc of his life is an incredible one. But when we look back on these 100 years for him, we see a life of faith and a life of service. And it's been remarkable for us to get a chance to really do that reflecting.

Peter Biello: And how is he now?

Jason Carter: ...He's been in hospice for 19 months and he hasn't had any real health change. He's been very physically diminished. It's difficult for him to do sort of the daily things in life. And so he's really constrained by that. But he's still emotionally active and he's paying attention to the world and having experiences that that continue to be rewarding.

Peter Biello: What's bringing him joy these days?

Jason Carter: He's still doing the things that that he loves, right? He loves watching the Braves play.

Peter Biello: Even this year?

Jason Carter: Yeah. Well, you know, he's frustrated by the injuries, just like the rest of us. But I'm sure he was glad to see Michael Harris come back and Ozzie Albies come back. But in all seriousness, he really has been spending a lot of time watching baseball and being with his family. You know, my uncle Chip and Jeff, my Aunt Amy, have really spent — and my Aunt Becky — have spent an enormous amount of time down there over the last couple of years at his side. And it's been a time of extended reflection for them on their relationship. And I think that's really been — been great for him.

Peter Biello: My understanding is that there is a naturalization ceremony scheduled for his birthday that he's particularly excited about. What makes that such a special way to mark his birthday?

Jason Carter: So my grandfather was the president for four years and the governor for four years, and the other 92 years in his life, he was a citizen. And he has always just considered that title to be the highest title in America, right? That that is who runs our our government. It is what our belief system and our economy and everything else is based on: It's being a citizen. And I think that he has always loved the naturalization ceremonies because it's always been a big deal for him to see other people join him as an American citizen.

Peter Biello: People often mention your grandfather's grit and tenacity. What qualities does he have that may have helped him reach this 100-year milestone?

Jason Carter: When you're talking about milestones like this, it really makes us all realize that we're not in charge of how much time we get on the earth. And he believes that this is a part of his faith journey that is fundamental to who he is. And so I think that in this moment, the reflection that we all have, even though we thought when he first went into hospice, it was going to be a matter of days and here it has turned into a matter of years. I think that really what he would attribute that to is God's plan for him, whatever that may be.

Peter Biello: A few months ago, it was mentioned that he wanted to make it to 100 so he could vote in this upcoming presidential election. In your view, has that played a role? He just wants to see how this plays out and he wants to participate.

Jason Carter: I think like a lot of the rest of us, he is engaged in our politics right now. He's excited to cast a ballot for Kamala Harris — for a host of reasons, right? I mean, his 100 years on this earth would be — It's a remarkable capstone there if she gets elected president, given how far we've come as a nation. But he also is ready to turn the page on Donald Trump and that era of our politics that we all, I think, are sort of ready to go back to normal. But I do think he's engaged. Again, that citizenship part of his life is the most important to him. And so if there is an election, certainly he's going to be voting in it.

Peter Biello: Well, with the understanding that he's very physically limited lately, how's he going to be spending his birthday?

Jason Carter: Our family is going to go down for his birthday on Oct. 1. He's going to watch the broadcast on Georgia Public Broadcasting of his 100th birthday concert celebration, which we loved. That's going to be broadcast on Oct. 1 and he'll definitely be watching. And other than that, it's just going to be a family day. There's going to be some festivities in Plains where people are celebrating. But for him, I think it's going to be spent with family and with exciting celebrations of his love for music.

Tuesday, Oct.1 on All Things Considered, we’ll be broadcasting live from the Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta, where we’ll hear from several guests who’ve worked closely with the former president over the years. You can join us there live or listen on GPB radio or stream it online. And you can tune in to GPB-TV tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. for “Carter 100: A Celebration in Song.”