Despite his grandson saying he was “disabled” when he turned 100, Jimmy Carter spent his birthday in the sun, enjoying a military flyover to his home in Georgia.
Carter – the first US president to reach the century milestone – was able to view a flyover of four F-18 jets and several vintage aircraft that graced the skies over Plains, Georgia as part of the city’s festivities.
He was also celebrated at Plains High School, from which Carter graduated in 1941 and which now serves as a visitors center for the national park that features sites from his early life, including the nearby peanut farm where he grew up.
On Tuesday evening, the school held a concert in honor of the president, and in the morning a naturalization ceremony for 100 new American citizens, who placed hands on their hearts and recited the oath of allegiance.
Carter’s grandson Jason gave a concerning update on the former president’s health as he celebrated, but revealed who he planned to vote for in the upcoming presidential election.
Despite his grandson saying he was ‘disabled’ when he turned 100, Jimmy Carter spent his birthday in the sun enjoying a military flyover to his Georgia home
Carter – the first US president to reach the century milestone – was able to view a flyover of four F-18 jets and several vintage aircraft that graced the skies over Plains, Georgia as part of the city’s festivities
Speaking to CBS Mornings, Jason Carter — who followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by becoming a politician — said the 39th former president is “very limited in what he can do” and that he “can’t talk on the phone.”
But Jason also sheds light on who his grandfather, who is the longest-lived in American history and now becomes the first centenarian, will vote for in the upcoming presidential election.
“When we asked him if he was excited about his 100th birthday, he said, ‘I’m excited about that, but I’m very excited to vote for Kamala Harris,’ after reportedly telling his grandchildren that his new goal is reaching the elections. Day, after following the election.
The vote of the former president and Georgia’s former governor could be important as Georgia is a key swing state, with polls showing it on a razor’s edge between Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Jimmy Carter’s grandson Jason (pictured) provided an update on the former president’s health
Former President Jimmy Carter’s son has said he is spending time with his family and is excited about voting for Vice President Kamala Harris
Jason had also told the New York Times that the ex-president had developed a “real personal kinship” with Harris and that he was “compelled by her story as a true example of the American dream.”
To mark Carter’s historic birthday, his hometown of Plains, Georgia, will celebrate with a flyover by military aircraft and a concert.
The updates on Carter come after he entered hospice care last year when it was thought he had just days to live.
His last public appearance was almost a year ago, at the funeral of his wife Rosalynn. The couple was the longest-married first couple, having been married for 77 years.
They met when the former president was just three years old and Rosalynn had just been born.
According to his family, he had a “low period” afterward, but he has brightened up and now spends his time listening to Bob Dylan and watching baseball.
A local Plains resident and friend of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Gloria English (R), along with her caregiver Stacy Ludden, walk under a sign reading “Home of Jimmy Carter” on September 30, 2024 in Plains, Georgia, down the road of his 100th birthday
Plains, Georgia awaits the celebration of Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday on October 1, when the hometown hero becomes the only US president ever to reach the centennial anniversary
Jason said the 100th birthday celebration was not something the family expected after his grandmother’s death.
“Honestly, we didn’t think he would last much longer,” Jason said. “But it’s a journey of faith for him, and he’s really given himself over to what he believes is God’s plan. He knows he’s not in charge. But especially in the last few months, he’s become much more involved in world events, much more involved in politics, much more, just emotionally involved with all of us.”
The Democrat served one presidential term from 1977 to 1981 and then spent more than four decades directing the Carter Center, which he and his wife founded in 1982 to “build peace, fight disease and build hope.”
In 2022, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in finding solutions to global conflicts.
Last month his representatives were forced to deny claims that he had died after a fake letter was posted to X.