ATLANTA — For the first time, Georgia and the nation can celebrate a former president's 100th birthday.
Former President Jimmy Carter's family says his mobility isn't the same, but the 99-year-old is in high spirits and looking forward to his birthday.
On Tuesday night, people from all walks of life listened to music from different genres and united as one to celebrate the life and legacy of Georgia's very own. The Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song was a landmark tribute celebrating the centennial birthday with an all-star lineup with performances by Angélique Kidjo, BeBe Winans, Carlene Carter, Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Duane Betts, Eric Church, GROUPLOVE, India Arie, Lalah Hathaway, Maren Morris, The B-52s, The War And Treaty, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus.
"It's a great honor for my family to be able to share my grandfather. These are people, some of whom weren't even born when my grandfather was the president, who are just excited to be here and celebrate him as a human being beyond politics, beyond legacy and other things," Jason Carter, his grandson, said.
It was the celebration of a lifetime. Just days before turning 100, President Jimmy Carter's life and legacy were celebrated through music.
"When I was celebrating his 99th, I didn't think we'd be here, and here we are, Atlanta's turned out. He just always has loved music, so this is the perfect way to celebrate him," Josh Carter, his other grandson, said.
The former president's love and kindness were revered by celebrities, musicians, close friends and five generations of Carters.
"He's taught the world to love everybody no matter their race, creed, color or country they're from. Happy birthday! God bless you! I'm so thankful that you've contributed so much to America, to Georgia," Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said on the carpet before the show started.
The milestone 100th birthday is Oct. 1. The Carter family was blessed to see everyone come out to celebrate him and are even more excited to spend quality time with him in Plains on his special day.
