Former president Jimmy Carter turned 100 years old on Oct. 1, making him the first former U.S. president to turn 100. The Fox Theatre hosted a celebration for his birthday on Sept. 17 to commemorate Carter for his influence on public service and peace efforts. 

“No living president has ever been 100 years old, so it was such a cool opportunity to learn about him and his life,” Mat Kowal, an attendee of the event, said. 

The event included popular artists the B-52’s, the Allman Brothers, Chuck Leavell, Bebe Winnans and the Atlanta Symphony. Along with musical performances, Carter’s grandson Jason Carter, former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young and actress Renee Zelwegger spoke at the event to honor Carter at his birthday celebration. 

“There was a really diverse lineup of performers that performed to help honor Jimmy Carter and all that he has done for the music industry,” Ashley Mirakian, Vice President of Marketing at the Atlanta Symphony said. 

Music was a huge part of Carter’s life, and Thomas Carter said he emphasized supporting the music industry and artists. Throughout Carter’s presidency, he brought jazz to the white house and changed people’s views on music. Carter’s appreciation of all music played a key role in shaping his administration. 

“The musical artists selection shows a good viewpoint on how much of an influence music had on him and the diversity that he always loves to maintain,” Thomas Carter said. 

The Atlanta Symphony and choir has had a long association with Carter. Mirakian said having the opportunity to perform for the celebration was an honor for the Symphony since the orchestra played at Carter’s inauguration and 99th birthday. 

“Anytime we can share what we do with President Carter and his fans and friends, we are happy to do that,” Mirakian said. “We wanted to share the devotional side of what president Carter enjoys and also the patriotic side so playing ‘America the Beautiful’ just made sense.”

Vice President of Communications and Media Relations at the Atlanta BeltLine, Meghann Gibbons attended the event. She said the event emphasized Carter’s accomplishments during his presidency and throughout the course of his life.

“It reflected on his life and what he accomplished,” Gibbons said. “The takeaway is that these can be lessons for current and future generations to take with us as learners.”

Gibbons said Carter has worked and traveled to spread his message of peace and fight for change. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts and to promote social development. The Nobel Prize organization applauded Carter for his “decades of untiring effort.”

“This birthday celebration means a lot to me because I get a chance to learn about all the lives my great-grandpa has touched and a chance to get to share all the good he has done with the rest of the world,” Thomas Carter said.

Gibbons said Carter has influenced and spread hope to many people during his life. She said that there was a feeling of hopefulness in the community that came from people coming together in support of making the world a better place.

“It really was a nonpartisan discussion and it was solely focused on his service to our country,“ Gibbons said.

Along with the celebration at the Fox, the Carter Center organized several other events to celebrate this milestone. Another concert will be held in Plains, Carter’s hometown and the Carter Center is also hosting the JC100 film festival. 

“[These events] just call attention to

Thomas Carter said he hopes the celebration was able to shed light on all of the work Carter has done and help to influence and guide future leaders. 

“I think it’s vital to support the life and work of leaders like Jimmy Carter,” Thomas Carter said. “No good deeds should ever be forgotten and seeing accomplishments from the past can allow future leaders to go forward and leave their own imprint on the world.”