Former President Jimmy Carter Turns 100 Years Old

On October 1, The Carter Center and the world celebrated the 100th birthday of former President Jimmy Carter, the longest-living U.S. president in history.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter has dedicated his life to service and human rights. Early in life, he was an active member of the Plains community alongside his wife, Rosalynn, whom he married in 1946.

He was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 1962 and served as Georgia's 76th governor from 1971 to 1975. He became the 39th president of the United States in 1977 and held that office for four years.

In 1982, President and Mrs. Carter founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives by advancing democracy, resolving conflicts and eliminating preventable diseases.

The center has become a leading global health and human rights organization that has positively impacted more than 80 countries. The center pioneered election observation, deploying 125 missions, and has supported the elimination of neglected tropical diseases in 22 countries.

On September 17, the center hosted a star-studded concert event at Atlanta's historic Fox Theatre to honor the music-loving former president.

"Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song" brought together more than 4,000 of Carter's family members, friends and biggest fans. The show can be viewed on demand at gpb.org/jimmycarter100.

To help celebrate President Carter's centennial, the Carter Center encourages friends and supporters from around the world to contribute to a digital mosaic.

So far, nearly 5,000 people have submitted photos and tributes, many remarking on how he has inspired them through his exceptional life and work.