Former President Jimmy Carter did defied all odds and is officially 100 years old today – and he attributes his longevity to the strong relationships in his life, especially his marriage.

James Earl Carter Jr., better known as Jimmy Carter, was the 39th American president from 1977 to 1981. He has outlasted all presidents in American history, earning the honor of being the oldest former president.

In 2019, Carter told People Magazine that he never expected to live as long as he did: “It’s hard to live until you’re 95 years old.”

In February 2023, President Carter entered home care after several hospital stays over the years following his 2015 cancer diagnosis.

“I thought I only had a few weeks left, but I felt surprisingly comfortable,” he said at a press conference in 2015. “I’ve had a full life, I have thousands of friends… so I felt surprisingly at ease. much more than my wife.”

What is his secret to a long and happy life? Who he married. He and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023 at age 96, kept each other going.

When asked what he thinks helps people live longer, he told People: “I think the best explanation for that is to marry the best husband: someone who takes care of you, is committed and does things to express you.” days and to keep alive. interested in life.”

The former president and first lady were married for 77 years and didn’t have longevity in mind, he told People; they were simply looking for ways to serve their community and come together.

Their love story began when the two met at Plains United Methodist Church in their hometown of Plains, Georgia, Mr. Carter told The Washington Post. He asked her out to the movies and told his mother he was going to marry Rosalynn the next morning, he said in his interview with The Post.

They had four children and a total of 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The two also founded The Carter Center in 1982, a non-governmental organization dedicated to improving lives. Since then, the center has built thousands of homes in more than ten countries alongside Habitat for Humanity.

At the same time, the Carters were making incredible memories together through activities like tennis, skiing and bird watching: “Rosa and I saw about 1,300 different bird species,” he said in his interview with People.

After his presidency, the dynamic duo moved back to their hometown and bought a modest $167,000 home — a much lower cost compared to the median home price in Georgia, Zillow data shows.

“Now when we have a quiet moment, like a birthday or something, we like to stay at home, just alone,” he added, “and enjoy a quiet day in our own home without visitors and with as few phone calls and emails coming in.”

The Carters celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary at their Georgia home in July 2023, making them the longest married first couple.

“As we look back on their legacy, it has been truly amazing to see the outpouring of support, respect and love,” their grandson Jason Carter said in 2023.

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