Celebrating Jimmy Carter: A Century of Life and a Legacy of Courageous Conversations

As the world celebrates former President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday on October 1, we reflect on the remarkable impact he has made and continues to make on our country, even through the last phase of his life.

President Carter lives a life of service above self. As a young man, he had a distinguished career as a Naval officer before serving as Governor of Georgia and later, as President of the United States. After his time in office, through the Carter Center, President Carter and Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter led incredible efforts to increase peace and improve health around the world. In this last chapter of his life, his commitment remains steadfast. In February of 2023, President Carter made the courageous decision to publicly share his choice for hospice care. In doing so, President Carter sparked a national conversation about the value of hospice care, one that is reinvigorated even today as we celebrate the momentous milestone of 100 years of life.

To honor the longest living former president’s experience, we have compiled some important articles from the last two years that highlight how his choices now are helping Americans better understand hospice care.

• CBS Evening News – Spotlight on home hospice care as Jimmy Carter turns 100

• The Atlanta Journal Constitution – Former President Carter’s health journey has raised awareness of hospice care

• Axios – Carter's year in hospice sheds light on end-of-life care option

• The New York Times – Jimmy Carter’s Long Goodbye

• The Atlanta Journal Constitution – Jimmy Carter, one year after entering home hospice, remains resilient

• USA Today – Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter bring needed attention to hospice care – and questions

• The New York Times – Americans Glimpse Jimmy Carter’s Frailty and His Resolve

• The Washington Post – Carters’ journey highlights tough questions about when to choose hospice

• NPR Morning Edition – What does it mean to offer compassionate care for people facing the end of life?

• The Hill – How Jimmy Carter has changed the conversation around hospice

• The Seattle Times – President Jimmy Carter and the benefits of early hospice care

Today, we celebrate former President Jimmy Carter for his meaningful contributions to our country, including his continued commitment to serving his nation even now. Carter and his family have opened the door for many Americans to have important conversations about their own end-of-life wishes.

Happy 100^th birthday, President Carter. We wish you the best in this new century.