ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Jimmy Carter will be honored with a musical gala at Atlanta’s Fox Theater next month, ahead of his 100th birthday, the Carter Center announced Thursday.
The September 17 event – “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song” – will feature musicians from various genres and celebrity guests. Carter’s birthday is October 1.
Performers include Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Eric Church, GROUPLOVE, Maren Morris and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus. Notable guests include former Atlanta Braves star Dale Murphy, Atlanta rap artist Killer Mike and actor Sean Penn. Additional guests will be announced prior to the event, organizers said.
The 39th president, who served from 1977 to 1981, remains at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he Receive hospice care since February 2023. He was last seen in public at the memorial service for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who died in NovemberBut those close to him say he remains in good spirits, occasionally receives visitors, regularly watches Braves games on television and still enjoys making music.
“Whether on his record players, on the campaign trail, or on the White House lawn, music was and remains a source of joy, comfort and inspiration for my grandfather,” Jason Carter said in a statement.
Jason Carter is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Carter Center, the human rights organization that Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter started in 1982, shortly after leaving the White House.
The Fox program is intended to honor the Carters’ work for human rights, public health and democracy around the world.
Tickets are $100 and will be available at the Fox Theater box office beginning August 5 at 10 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the Carter Center.
Separately, the Carter Center is asking the public for messages for the former president to be processed into a digital mosaic, similar to what the Center did for its 99th birthday celebration.
