Former President Jimmy Carter celebrated his 99th birthday in an unexpected departure from his routine, gathering with family in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, have maintained their roots. The family honored Carter’s personal legacy in the same one-story structure where they lived before his political career began. Despite their global prominence, the Carters are described as a down-to-earth Southern couple.
Jason Carter, the grandson and board chair at The Carter Center, reflected on his grandparents’ humility, emphasizing their ability to maintain a sense of normalcy for the family. The Carters, who founded The Carter Center in 1982 after leaving the White House, have been dedicated to global humanitarian work.
In Atlanta, The Carter Center hosted a naturalization ceremony for 99 new American citizens from 45 countries, timed to coincide with the former president’s birthday. The ceremony was a poignant moment for participants like Tania Martinez, a nurse born in Cuba who expressed her newfound sense of freedom.
Carter’s recent resilience, defying health challenges, has allowed him to enjoy widespread acclaim typically reserved for posthumous tributes. Donna Brazile, a former Democratic national chairperson, praised Carter’s enduring toughness and commitment to making the world a better place.
The celebration included tributes from various leaders, including a video message from former President Bill Clinton, who thanked Carter for his service and friendship. Musician Peter Gabriel and the Indigo Girls led renditions of “Happy Birthday” in different venues, underlining the widespread recognition of Carter’s contributions.
The Carter Library & Museum and Carter Center in Atlanta organized a weekend of events, including a citizenship ceremony and a museum with 99-cent admission. Jason Carter noted that his grandfather has found gratification in reassessments of his presidency, which, despite challenges like inflation and the Iranian hostage crisis, is gaining recognition for diplomatic efforts, environmental focus, and fiscal responsibility.
Carter’s longevity provides a unique perspective on the changing world and enduring societal challenges. The Carter Center’s work in disease eradication and global democracy advocacy reflects the couple’s early experiences with poverty and hardship in the rural Deep South during the Great Depression.
As the nation grapples with immigration policy debates, the naturalization ceremony on Carter’s 99th birthday becomes symbolic, occurring in a context where immigration discussions remain contentious. Jason Carter urged a nuanced understanding of his grandfather’s impact, emphasizing the importance of respecting individuals and trying to help them, ultimately contributing to a “full rich life.”
In sum, the celebration of Jimmy Carter’s 99th birthday highlights not only the milestones of a long life but also the enduring impact of a couple dedicated to global humanitarian work and a commitment to core values.
