Former President Jimmy Carter will be honored next month with a musical gala at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre as he approaches his 100th birthday, The Carter Center announced Thursday. The event, titled “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song,” is scheduled for September 17 and will feature a diverse lineup of musicians and celebrity guests. Carter’s 100th birthday falls on October 1.
Performers at the gala will include Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Eric Church, GROUPLOVE, Maren Morris, and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus. The guest list features former Atlanta Braves star Dale Murphy, Atlanta rapper Killer Mike, and actor Sean Penn, with additional guests to be announced closer to the event.
Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981, has been receiving hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, since February 2023. His last public appearance was at the funeral of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November. Despite his health challenges, Carter remains in good spirits, enjoys visits from friends and family, watches Braves games on TV, and continues to find joy in music.
Jason Carter, chair of the governing board at The Carter Center, emphasized the significance of music in his grandfather’s life, noting its role in providing joy, comfort, and inspiration. The Fox Theatre event will also highlight the Carters’ contributions to human rights, public health, and democracy.
Tickets for the gala will be priced at $100 and will become available through the Fox Theatre box office starting at 10 a.m. on August 5. Proceeds from the event will support The Carter Center.
In addition, The Carter Center is inviting the public to send messages for the former president, which will be compiled into a digital mosaic, similar to the one created for his 99th birthday.
