The Inspiring Journey of Jimmy Carter: A Global Humanitarian and Beloved Friend Celebrates his 99th Birthday

Over 14,000 individuals have sent heartfelt messages to Jimmy Carter on the occasion of his 99th birthday. These messages, compiled in a captivating digital mosaic by The Carter Center, originate from various corners of the globe. Noteworthy expressions of appreciation include a family from Ohio acknowledging him as a role model for living, a resident of Georgia reminiscing about the privilege of shaking hands with him during his gubernatorial campaign, and warm wishes extending all the way from Switzerland.

Notes have poured in from every corner of the globe, including Ecuador, Costa Rica, Europe, and Australia, as well as from various regions within the United States. Many express their gratitude to Carter for his selfless humanitarian service. While some of these messages come from well-known individuals, most are from ordinary people who greatly admire Carter or have fond memories of brief encounters with him. There are even those who declare their love for him.

Since deciding to receive home hospice care seven months ago after a series of hospital stays, the esteemed recipient of these messages has predominantly withdrawn from public view, apart from a brief appearance at a peanut festival last Saturday. This decision was made due to Carter's dedication to caring for his wife, Rosalynn, who sadly suffers from dementia, as announced by the non-profit organization they established in May.

Birthday wishes for Jimmy Carter are seen Thursday in a book at The Carter Center in Atlanta.

Austin Steele of CNN reports that the married couple, who have been together for 77 years, are currently residing in their home in Plains, a small city in southwest Georgia with a population of approximately 700. It is widely recognized by their closest family members that these peaceful days they are spending together are likely to be some of their final ones.

Here, the ex-president, who later won a Nobel Peace Prize and initiated a global campaign against a debilitating ailment, is affectionately referred to as "Mr. Jimmy."

And in this remote, unknown town that Carter played a crucial role in popularizing, it also serves as the focal point of his lasting impact. Every year, countless visitors engage in conversations with locals who recognize him not as the former leader of the nation, but as the individual who offered support to a friend in times of illness, shared encouraging words to a struggling restaurant owner, and consistently preached about his religious beliefs on Sundays at his lifelong church.

I dont know a better person

On Wednesday morning, with just four days left before Carter's birthday, the usually serene downtown area of Plains remained as calm as ever. As a rainstorm gradually subsided, the steady hum of tractor engines filled the air, their repetitive back and forth motions creating a rhythm over the railroad tracks that acted as a barrier between the slender highway and bustling Main Street.

A peanut wagon is pulled across Main Street in February in Plains, Georgia.

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The tune of "Sentimental Journey" by Doris Day echoed through the air as it played out of the speakers in the surrounding area. In the vibrant downtown, every store was bustling with activity, including Plain Peanuts. Bobby Salter, the proud owner, dedicated over a year in the early 2000s to perfecting his delectable peanut butter ice cream recipe.

"It's Carter's favorite," he declares.

Philip Kurland can be found seated next to the cash register at the Plains Trading Post, merely two doors away. Together with his wife, he operates the business, which boasts an extensive collection of political campaign buttons dating all the way back to Millard Fillmore. Their journey to calling this place home began over three decades ago when they stumbled upon an available building while driving through Plains.

Kurland had had his doubts about whether the Carters really lived in Plains, he admitted - until the former president and his wife showed up at the store to welcome them.

Philip Kurland of the Plains Trading Post poses in February 20 in Plains.

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In recent years, the Kurlands had reduced the store's operating hours to only two days a week. However, when Carter announced in February that he would be entering hospice care, Kurland decided to open the store all seven days of the week as a way of giving back. According to Kurland, he wanted to be there for people who wanted to share their stories and memories about Jimmy Carter and their interactions with him. Whether it was campaigning alongside Carter, meeting him at a book signing, or receiving help during tough times, various individuals have expressed their connections and gratitude towards the former president. Kurland, who is not hesitant in engaging in political discussions with customers, once asked a visitor their thoughts on how Carter handled the Iranian hostage crisis during his presidency.

"The guy looked up and smiled," Kurland recalled.

"And he said: Im still alive."

Kurland also shares his own memories, such as the occasion when Carter spent an hour with him during his illness from a respiratory virus. "I recall him learning my life story, and I was somewhat taken aback as he already had prior knowledge. What stands out most in my mind is that I felt grateful for falling ill, as it afforded me the opportunity to truly connect with the president."

Campaign buttons for former President Jimmy Carter and others are seen in February in Plains.

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Plains City Councilmember Eugene Edge Sr. remembered his acquaintance with Carter when the future president returned to Plains after serving in the US Navy to oversee his father's peanut business.

"I can't think of a more admirable individual," remarked Edge. "He treated everyone equally, without regard to their race, and that was something I appreciated."

Kurland said that this attitude played a vital role in shaping the culture in Plains. He explained that while not everyone may like each other every day, there is a strong level of respect among the community members. Kurland also highlighted that if anyone has a problem, everyone is willing to lend a hand. He attributed this positive environment to President Carter, who has set the tone for such behavior.

On a Wednesday morning, Jan Williams visited Kurland's store to greet him. During their conversation, they briefly discussed Williams' upcoming birthday, which falls just two days before the former president's birthday. Williams mentioned that she had previously taught Amy Carter, President Carter's daughter, and she had also accompanied the family during the 1977 inauguration.

Jan Williams, a fourth-grade teacher who worships at the same church as former President Jimmy Carter, stands proudly before Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. She showcases a collection plate personally crafted by Carter himself.

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She named her own daughter after Amy Carter in honor of the family. And when Carter came back to Plains, she would listen to him teach on Sundays at church.

"He frequently expressed at church the notion that if everyone could simply love the person in their immediate presence, wouldn't our world become a more joyful place? Instead of dwelling on superficial judgments like their background, origin, or lifestyle," she remarked, "we should prioritize showing compassion and affection. He excelled in embodying this principle."

"Although our community may be modest in size," she emphasized, "it has indeed given rise to, in my personal estimation, one of the most remarkable individuals this country has ever seen."

Keeping up with the news – and baseball

The town, and Carters nearest kin, know these are likely the former presidents final days.

But they have no idea how long this chapter will continue. After all, the nonagenarian has already beaten the odds multiple times - from his transition from the Plains peanut business to the White House, to overcoming cancer in 2015, and now spending a significant amount of time in end-of-life care. "He consistently astounds us, so we aren't overly shocked that it has been seven months," stated Paige Alexander, CEO of The Carter Center, during an interview with "CNN This Morning" on Friday. "Nevertheless, he is surrounded by love, and that is what truly matters."

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum has planned birthday events this weekend, including a movie screening and a naturalization ceremony for 99 new US citizens.

Jimmy Carter's grandson Jason Carter, center, looks Thursday at a digital mosaic of his grandfather at The Carter Center.

Austin Steele/CNN

Carter, on the other hand, may be physically limited, but he remains updated with the latest news, including updates on his favorite team, the Atlanta Braves, according to his grandson. He is also very much aware of and uplifted by the tributes that have been pouring in since his hospice announcement.

"I wasn't prepared to handle the grief that comes with the everyday struggles," Jason Carter expressed. "In this regard, going through this publicly has been a blessing because of the support we have received. Additionally, this extended period of time has allowed us to personally process what's happening, reflect on our relationships with him and my grandmother, and truly cherish the precious moments we spend together as a family."

The family will privately come together to celebrate Carter's birthday on Sunday, shared his grandson. Currently, his grandparents are at home, deeply in love and with a strong sense of self-identity, emphasized the grandson. He added, "They have received all that life has to offer and understand that there is nothing more valuable. They have found peace."

Carter will always be alive in Plains

According to Kurland, Jimmy Carter will forever remain an integral part of Plains, even in his absence. Despite his current absence from public view, his impactful message continues to resonate among the community, especially with his upcoming birthday on the horizon.

"He is passing on the torch for us all to become kinder, more generous, empathetic, and affectionate," expressed the shopkeeper. "Therefore, I don't see it as just one point in time when he will pass it on; he will be passing the torch to inspire us to become better individuals and strive for greater achievements."

Meanwhile, down the street, Bonita Hightower frequently contemplates the legacy of the ex-president.

Bonita Hightower poses in February at Bonita's Carry-Out in Plains.

Hyosub Shin/Atlanta Journal Constitution/TNS/Zuma

"If he came from here and he became the 39th president, I wonder what I can do. Thats how I look at it," she said.

Although the 68-year-old woman has never personally met Carter, he has significantly influenced her life. Hightower established a restaurant in Plains just two months prior to the global outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in the shutdown of several establishments worldwide. As customer footfall diminished, she began to doubt her choice of opening a business in such a small town.

However, her perspective changed when she received an unexpected phone call.

Carters staff informed that the couple had recently placed an order for take-out from her restaurant, expressing their admiration for her food. Hightower regarded the message from President Carter as a source of encouragement for her. In the following year, his staff requested her to prepare a meal for his birthday celebration, Hightower revealed.

"He briefly served as our president before transforming into what I consider, and am considering adopting, the president of the world," she shared.

"I believe he returned home to inspire someone, perhaps to spark a new fire."

Carter's hometown of Plains is seen in February from the sky.

Hyosub Shin/Atlanta Journal Constitution/TNS/Zuma