Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away at the age of 100, confirmed The Carter Center.
The former peanut farmer and Georgia governor had the longest life span of any US president, celebrating his centennial birthday in October. The Carter Center, which he founded to promote democracy and human rights globally, announced that he died on Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia.
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Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981, a tenure marked by economic challenges and diplomatic crises. After leaving office with low approval ratings, his reputation grew through extensive humanitarian work, culminating in a Nobel Peace Prize.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said his son, Chip Carter, in a statement. “The world is our family because of the way he brought people together.”
Carter is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife, Rosalynn, who was married to him for 77 years, passed away in November 2023.
Carter, who became the oldest living former US president after George H.W. Bush died in 2018, ceased medical treatment for an undisclosed illness last year and entered hospice care at home.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden praised Carter as an extraordinary leader and humanitarian, highlighting his principles, faith, and humility. “He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people – decent, honorable, courageous, compassionate, humble, and strong,” they said.
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the US, also reflected on Carter’s presidency, acknowledging his dedication to improving American lives and expressing gratitude for his service.
Carter’s presidency was marked by challenges like the Iran hostage crisis, but also by a diplomatic triumph with the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel in 1978. Despite his achievements, Carter faced a resounding defeat in the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan, with just six states and Washington D.C. supporting his re-election bid.
Over time, Carter’s post-presidency humanitarian efforts and simple lifestyle reshaped his legacy. Rejecting the lucrative opportunities offered to former presidents, he focused on global issues of inequality and disease, co-founding The Elders with Nelson Mandela to promote peace and human rights.
In 2002, Carter became the third US president to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, stressing the widening gap between the rich and poor as a pressing global concern.
Carter’s commitment to service was echoed by former presidents, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush, who praised his humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.
President Biden announced that a state funeral will be held in Washington, D.C., to honor Carter’s life and legacy.
