Jimmy Carter Set to Celebrate a Historic Presidential Milestone on His Upcoming Birthday

A diverse group of stars from the entertainment and sports worlds gathered on Tuesday to honor former President Jimmy Carter ahead of his 100th birthday, showcasing his commitment to human rights and passion for music as a universal language.

“This is a historic moment,” said Jason Carter, Jimmy Carter’s grandson, to an audience of over 4,000 at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre. “This is the first time we’ve come together to celebrate the 100th birthday of a U.S. president.”

The concert, whose proceeds will benefit international initiatives by The Carter Center, founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in 1982, featured artists spanning generations and genres, much like Carter's 1976 presidential campaign. The event will be broadcast by Georgia Public Broadcasting on October 1, Carter’s actual birthday. The former president remains in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia.

Chuck Leavell, of the Georgia-based Allman Brothers Band, recalled Carter’s deep connection to music, saying, “He really was the rock-and-roll president,” noting how music brought people together under Carter's leadership.

The eclectic concert lineup included R&B artist India Arie, the B-52s performing their hit “Love Shack,” and the Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus offering classical pieces. In a video message, even former President Barack Obama remarked on Carter's diverse musical taste, joking, “I’ve never thrown a concert with pop, rock, gospel, jazz, country, and hip-hop all in one.”

Throughout the event, Carter’s well-known quote, “One of the things that has held America together has been the music that we share and love,” echoed the evening’s theme.

The event also paid homage to Carter’s presidential legacy, including his role in advancing civil rights and his environmental advocacy. Former Atlanta Braves stars Terry Pendleton and Dale Murphy honored him as a lifelong fan, gifting him a Braves jersey with the number 100.

The tribute included appearances by prominent figures across political lines, with messages from former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama and President Joe Biden, who fondly recalled being the first senator to endorse Carter’s White House bid.

However, notable for its absence was a message from former President Donald Trump, who has criticized Carter’s presidency during his recent political campaigns.