Jimmy Carter Has One Last Goal After Turning 100

Jimmy Carter continues to break records by becoming the longest-living former president in US history at 100.

The 39th president of the United States became a centenarian on Tuesday, October 1—an incredible feat that occurred over a year after he entered hospice care. As if this achievement were not enough, the former president intends to cast his vote in the November 2024 presidential election.

Although Jimmy Carter has stepped back from the spotlight, his grandson recently revealed that he remains current on essential events. Armed with this knowledge, he is gearing up for a unique goal.

With his centennial milestone, Carter officially became the oldest living former president and longest-living president in US history. Despite the historic feat, the centenarian wishes to live a little longer to achieve a final goal.

The former politician has been out of the spotlight given his age but made a rare public appearance at his late wife Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in November 2023. Although he stepped out for her, he is reportedly “physically limited” and spends his time at home with loved ones.

However, his health and age aren’t enough to deter him from fulfilling one last wish before his death. The former president’s grandson, Jason Carter, recently shared his goal, noting he had declared:

Jason, who chairs the Carter Center, previously told PEOPLE about his grandfather at the “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song” event. The celebrations occurred in September ahead of the centennial milestone.

According to Carter’s grandson, he hasn’t been in the best shape but continues to live well. “I mean, he’s been in hospice for over 19 months now, and he has really physically diminished and can’t do much on his own,” he confessed.

“But he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving,” Jason continued. He echoed similar sentiments in September 2023, months after his grandfather entered hospice care that February.

“This is an important part of his faith journey, and it’s one that you don’t get to experience at any other time in your life except for the very end,” Jason said about the former president at the time, adding:

“And so in that way, I think this has been a really meaningful time for him, and it’s been a really reflective time for him.”

Carter remains one of the most beloved rulers in US history because of his achievements in and out of the White House. The former politician reflected on his legacy in his  2010 memoir, “White House Diary,” writing:

“I had only one life to live, and I wanted to live it as a civilian, with a potentially fuller opportunity for varied public service.”

True to his words, Carter lived a life for the people through his military service, contributions to foreign affairs during his presidential reign, and diplomatic efforts. His love for others continued with him hosting Sunday school lessons.

Carter also did volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity well into his 90s, ensuring that his actions left a lasting impact on others. Given his humanitarian efforts, it was unsurprising that many gathered to honor his centennial milestone.

In August, The Blast reported that Carter’s 100th birthday would be celebrated two weeks early with a special concert. The homage occurred at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on September 17.

The concert, sponsored by Delta Air Lines, featured a star-studded lineup of prominent performers. The list included Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Eric Church, GROUPLOVE, Maren Morris, The War And Treaty, and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus.

Emmy award-winner Rickey Minor directed the musical event, which had more stars attending as guests. These entertainment giants gathered to commemorate the former president’s “legacy of service to humanity.”

Weeks before Carter’s 100th birthday,The Blast reported on Kamala Harris’ stance on the Second Amendment. The law, which protects citizens’ right to bear arms, is dear to the vice president’s heart as she is a proud gun owner.

Harris echoed her support for the Second Amendment in a campaign promotion with Oprah Winfrey, telling her: “If somebody breaks in my house, they’re getting shot … I probably should not have said that. But my staff will deal with that later.”

Despite her support for citizens to bear arms, the VP stressed that gun control measures were “common sense.” She highlighted the concerning rise in school shootings throughout the U.S., noting community protection was needed.