President Joe Biden described Jimmy Carter as “one of the most influential statesmen in our history” in a tribute marking the former president’s 100th birthday.
Carter, who has been in hospice care since February 2023, on Tuesday became the first former U.S. president to reach this milestone age.
In a video released by CBS News on Sunday, Biden praised Carter, calling him a “moral force for our nation and the world.”
“I recognized that as a young senator. That’s why I supported you so early,” Biden said.
“You’re a voice of courage, conviction, compassion — most of all, a beloved friend of Jill and me and our family,” he added, referencing first lady Jill Biden.
Joe Biden also spoke about Carter’s commitment to public service even after his departure from the White House, including his decision to found The Carter Center, a nongovernmental organization, in 1982 to help improve the lives of people both in the U.S. and abroad.
“You’re one of the most influential statesmen in our history,” Biden said. “Even after you left office, the moral clarity you showed throughout your career showed through again in your commitment through The Carter Center and the Habitat for Humanity [nonprofit] — resolving conflicts, advancing democracy, preventing disease and so much more.”
“Put simply, Mr. President, I admire you so darn much,” Biden added.
Carter received a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work on human rights, among other things.
Biden also paid tribute to Carter’s late wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023 at the age of 96. The couple were married for 77 years.
“We know this is the first birthday without Rosalynn,” Biden said. “It’s bittersweet, but we also know she’s always with you. She’s in your heart; she’ll never go away. She may be gone, but she’s always going to be with you.”
The former president’s grandson Jason Carter told The New York Times that her death was tough for his grandfather.
“When she passed, we all frankly thought that he wouldn’t be much longer,” Jason Carter said. “And I think he had a real low period for a while. But these last few months, he’s really gotten re-engaged with the world.”
According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jimmy Carter’s son Chip Carter previously said his father told him he was determined to make it to 100 to cast a vote for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in his home state of Georgia, a critical battleground in this year’s election.
“He does not believe Donald Trump should be president again,” he said in a Washington Post story last month, referring to Harris’ GOP rival.
Meanwhile, a display at the White House shows the number 100 with a banner wishing Carter a happy birthday.
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Carter, a Democrat, served as president from 1977 to 1981. He lost his reelection bid to then-Republican presidential nominee Ronald Reagan.
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