Jimmy Carter recently appeared in public for a special celebration with his nearest and dearest in his beloved hometown. However, his outing has sparked concern among netizens due to his frail condition.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, celebrated his 100th birthday on October 1 with a rare public outing in his native town of Plains, Georgia. He was surrounded by family and friends for the milestone occasion.
Family and friends of Jimmy Carter relax under the trees for shade at a hospice in Plains, Georgia, posted on October 2, 2024 | Source: YouTube.com/CBSDFW
A video shared by CBS Texas showed Jimmy being wheeled outdoors by an aide, wearing a blue cap and wrapped in a blanket. While his frailty was visible, he appeared peaceful, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
An aide wheels Jimmy Carter outdoors at a hospice in Plains, Georgia, posted on October 2, 2024. | Source: YouTube.com/CBSDFW
As Jimmy enjoyed his peaceful outdoor outing in his backyard, he was surrounded by close family, friends, and members of his Secret Service detail who kept a watchful presence nearby. Together, they watched a military flyover, with at least four jets soaring past his home.
Four jets fly over Plains, Georgia for Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, posted on October 2, 2024 | Source: YouTube.com/CBSDFW
Some of Jimmy’s family members sat under the shade of nearby trees, holding up their cellphones to capture the jets in the sky and the rare moment of the former politician enjoying the open air.
Family and friends of Jimmy Carter capture the military flyover in Plains, Georgia, posted on October 2, 2024 | Source: YouTube.com/CBSDFW
Although Jimmy’s public appearance delighted his family and friends, some netizens had mixed reactions to the occasion.
“Sad to see him so frail,” one person commented, while another, seemingly bothered by Jimmy being showcased in a vulnerable state, wrote, “Give the man some dignity… trotting him out like this is just sad.”
Another netizen expressed discomfort,“Kinda wish I hadn’t seen that. Love the man for sure. Not sure he’s still here, you know?” However, others were more positive, with one person writing, “BLESSED Omg that’s awesome [sic]” and another adding, “It is really a beautiful thing to have done for him. I think he will make it to election day.”
In honor of Jimmy’s centennial, the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park released a special commemorative passport stamp. The park encouraged the public to either visit in person to collect the stamp or print their own copy online to mark the occasion.
While public celebrations honored his legacy, Jimmy’s family reflected on his health and personal journey. In a Southern Living interview in September 2024, Jason Carter, the oldest of Jimmy and Rosalynn’s 22 grandchildren, shared insights about his grandfather’s fluctuating condition.
At the time, Jason explained that his grandfather was “experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process” without Rosalynn, Jimmy’s wife of 77 years, by his side. Rosalynn sadly passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96.
During the Southern Living conversation, it was also revealed that Jimmy wasn’t awake every day. While his family visited him regularly, they never knew what kind of state he would be in during their visits.
Jason also shared a moment he had with his grandfather, where he admitted to telling people that he wasn’t sure how Jimmy was doing, as it was difficult to gauge. “And he kind of smiled and he said, ‘I don’t know, myself,’” Jason disclosed.
Reflecting on his grandfather’s experience without Rosalynn, Jason shared, “After 77 years of marriage… I just think none of us really understand what it’s like for him right now. We have to embrace that fact, that there’s things about the spirit that you just can’t understand.” This sense of loss echoes something Jimmy shared in the past.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, on April 28, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
In a 2019 People interview, Jimmy attributed his longevity to his marriage, saying, “It’s hard to live until you’re 95 years old. I think the best explanation for that is to marry the best spouse: someone who will take care of you and engage and do things to challenge you and keep you alive and interested in life.”
Former U.S President Jimmy Carter and former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter at a game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals in Atlanta, Georgia on September 30, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Jason shared more details about his grandfather’s health in September 2024. **Speaking to People magazine for the “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song” birthday concert, Jason mentioned that while his grandftather is unable to do any physical activities on his own, he is still very much emotionally present and aware.
“I mean he’s been in hospice for over 19 months now and he has really physically diminished […] but he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving,” divulged Jason.
Former U.S President Jimmy Carter and former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter spotted in Plains, Georgia on August 4, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, Jason clarified that while his grandpa was emotionally engaged, there hadn’t been much change regarding his health after several months in hospice care.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 28, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Jimmy Carter entered hospice care in February 2023 at the home he and his late wife built in 1961. Jason also admitted that when Jimmy had first entered hospice, their family thought it would only be a matter of days before he passed. However, he expressed, “God had other plans.”
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church, in Plains, Georgia, on November 29, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Regarding the decision for Jimmy to receive care at his home in Plains, the family decided it was the best option. Jason explained, “[Plains] is the place that has given him the greatest support and it is the only place where he would go through this part of his life […] it is a fundamental part of […] who he has been for his whole life. There is no other place in the world that he would be at peace other than Plains.”
Jimmy Carter photographed having dinner at a friend’s house in Plains, Georgia on August 4, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
While Jason had previously disclosed that his grandfather may have experienced a bit of frustration at times, given his extensive stay in hospice and physical limitations, he also highlighted, “But he also has been able to experience that level of love.”
Jason Carter smiles to his grandfather, Jimmy Carter. | Source: Getty Images
As previously mentioned, Jason’s updates about his grandfather, which he shared with People, came during Jimmy’s centennial birthday celebration on September 17 at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre.
The music bash was first announced on the Carter Center website on August 1, 2024, and promised stellar performances from world-renowned musical acts like Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Eric Church, and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus, among others.
Of the event, which was open to the public, and what music meant to his grandad, Jason said, “Whether it was on his record player, on the campaign trail, or on the White House lawn, music has been — and continues to be — a source of joy, comfort, and inspiration for my grandfather. I can think of no better way to celebrate him and his 100th birthday than a night of music.”
