how old is jimmy carter
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, lived a life of remarkable longevity and public service. When people ask how old is Jimmy Carter? it’s important to note that he passed away at a historic age 100 years old. Understanding his lifespan helps illustrate his extraordinary life journey, from peanut farmer to naval officer, governor, president, and global humanitarian icon.
Birth Date and Longevity
James Earl Jimmy Carter Jr. was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia making him the first U.S. president born in a hospital. He passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of **100**, becoming the longest-lived president in American history.
Age Highlights Through Time
Several milestone ages along his life story include:
- Age 37 (1962): Elected to the Georgia State Senate.
- Age 46 (1971): Became Governor of Georgia.
- Age 52 (1977): Inaugurated as President of the United States.
- Age 78 (2002): Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for decades of humanitarian effort.
- Age 100 (2024): Celebrated centennial birthday and held luxurious public esteem until his death.
Context of His Longevity
Carter lived through nearly a century of momentous events from World War II to the digital age. His service included time in the U.S. Navy’s early nuclear submarine program, and he later became a figure in politics known for integrity and humility.
Even after his presidency (19771981), Carter remained active, founding the Carter Center in 1982 alongside his wife Rosalynn, and spending decades volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, building homes around the world well into his late nineties.
Final Years and Public Recognition
In February 2023, the Carter Center announced he had entered hospice care. When he died on December 29, 2024 at **age 100**, a national day of mourning was declared and his state funeral held in Washington, D.C.. His daughter Amy Carter participated in public memorial ceremonies honoring his legacy.
Legacy at 100
Carter’s lifespan was unique among U.S. presidents. Not only did he serve a term in office, but he also had the **longest post-presidency** ever recorded more than 43 years and remains the only president to live to 100 years of age.
- He taught Sunday school at his local church almost every week for decades.
- He authored over 30 books, earning multiple Grammy Awards for spoken-word recordings well into his later years.
- He engaged in election monitoring, disease eradication, and grassroots work globally.
Significance of His Century-Long Life
Jimmy Carter’s age symbolizes both resilience and continuity. Being active in public life for so long, he embodied the evolution of modern American leadership from rural beginnings to international humanitarianism. His age became a public focus, not as a limit, but as a testament to sustained influence and purpose.
Summary: Key Age Facts
- Date of birth: October 1, 1924
- Age at death: 100 years (died December 29, 2024)
- Longestlived U.S. presidentand longest postpresidency (over 43 years)
So, how old is Jimmy Carter? Although he is no longer alive, he lived to the milestone age of **100**, making him the oldest president in U.S. history. His long lifespan mirrored a lifetime of service from his early years in the Navy to his presidency and decades of global humanitarian work. His legacy continues to inspire, and his century-long journey remains a remarkable chapter in American history.