Jimmy Carter was recently seen in public for a special celebration with his family and friends in his cherished hometown. However, his appearance raised concerns among netizens due to his fragile condition.

The 39th president of the United States marked his 100th birthday on October 1 with a rare public outing in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by loved ones for this significant milestone. A video shared by CBS Texas showed him being wheeled outside by an aide, wearing a blue cap and a blanket. While his frail state was evident, he seemed peaceful, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

Family and friends of Jimmy Carter relax under the trees for shade at a hospice in Plains, Georgia, posted on October 2, 2024 | Source: YouTube.com/CBSDFW

During this tranquil moment in his backyard, he was accompanied by close family, friends, and members of his Secret Service detail, who maintained a watchful presence nearby. Together, they enjoyed a military flyover, with at least four jets soaring over his home. Some family members took shelter under trees, capturing the jets in the sky and the rare sight of the former politician outdoors.

While the occasion brought joy to Jimmy’s family and friends, some netizens had mixed feelings. One commented, “Sad to see him so frail,” while another expressed discomfort at seeing him in such a vulnerable state, stating, “Give the man some dignity… trotting him out like this is just sad.”

An aide wheels Jimmy Carter outdoors at a hospice in Plains, Georgia, posted on October 2, 2024. | Source: YouTube.com/CBSDFW

However, others responded more positively, with one person exclaiming, “BLESSED Omg that’s awesome” and another noting, “It is really a beautiful thing to have done for him. I think he will make it to election day.”

In celebration of Jimmy’s centennial, the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park issued a special commemorative passport stamp. The park encouraged visitors to collect the stamp in person or print a copy online to commemorate the occasion.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 28, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

While public celebrations honored his legacy, Jimmy’s family reflected on his health and personal journey. In a Southern Living interview in September 2024, Jason Carter, the eldest of Jimmy and Rosalynn’s 22 grandchildren, shared insights about his grandfather’s fluctuating condition.

Jason noted that his grandfather was “experiencing the world as best he can” after the passing of Rosalynn, his wife of 77 years, in November 2023 at age 96.

Jason Carter at the 2021 Atlanta Film Festival at The Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 1, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

During the interview, Jason revealed that Jimmy wasn’t always awake, and family members were uncertain about his state during visits. He recounted a moment with his grandfather, where Jimmy smiled and admitted, “I don’t know, myself.” Reflecting on his grandfather’s experience without Rosalynn, Jason said, “After 77 years of marriage… none of us really understand what it’s like for him right now.

We must embrace that there are things about the spirit that you just can’t understand.” This sentiment resonates with something Jimmy shared in a 2019 interview with People, where he attributed his longevity to his marriage, saying, “I think the best explanation for that is to marry the best spouse: someone who will take care of you and engage you.”

Former U.S. President  Jimmy Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, on November 29, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

In September 2024, Jason provided more details about his grandfather’s health while speaking to People magazine for the “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song” birthday concert. He mentioned that while Jimmy is unable to engage in physical activities on his own, he remains emotionally present and aware. “He’s been in hospice for over 19 months now and has really physically diminished […] but he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving,” Jason shared.

He clarified that while Jimmy is emotionally involved, there hasn’t been much change in his health after several months in hospice care. Jimmy entered hospice in February 2023 at the home he and Rosalynn built in 1961. Initially, the family thought Jimmy had only days left when he first entered hospice, but Jason reflected, “God had other plans.”

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the  funeral service for former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter in Plains, Georgia on November 29, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Regarding the decision for Jimmy to receive care at home, Jason explained, “[Plains] is the place that has given him the greatest support… it is fundamental to who he has been for his whole life. There is no other place in the world that he would be at peace other than Plains.”

While Jason noted that his grandfather might experience frustration due to his extended stay in hospice and physical limitations, he emphasized, “But he has been able to experience that level of love.”

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, on April 28, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Jason’s updates on his grandfather came during the celebration of Jimmy’s 100th birthday on September 17 at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre. The music event, announced on the Carter Center website on August 1, 2024, promised performances from renowned musical acts like Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Eric Church, and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus, among others.

Of the event, Jason remarked, “Whether it was on his record player, on the campaign trail, or on the White House lawn, music has been — and continues to be — a source of joy, comfort, and inspiration for my grandfather. I can think of no better way to celebrate him and his 100th birthday than a night of music.”