Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away on Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100 years old.
Carter’s death comes after nearly two years in hospice care, according to U.S. media reports citing his son, Chip Carter. The former president was the oldest-living U.S. president and is remembered as a champion of peace, democracy, and humanitarian causes.
Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981, a single-term presidency that saw historic achievements, including the Camp David Accords, which brokered peace between Egypt and Israel. However, his administration faced significant challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis and economic difficulties at home.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter Jr. came from modest beginnings as the son of a farmer and a nurse. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Carter joined the Navy and became part of the elite nuclear submarine fleet. Following his father’s death in 1953, he returned to Georgia to manage the family farm, a decision that marked the beginning of his political career.
Carter’s post-presidency years elevated his global legacy. Alongside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023, he founded the Carter Center, an organization dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights, and humanitarian efforts worldwide. Carter was also a passionate advocate for affordable housing and a long-time volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
The Carters were recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and numerous other accolades for their philanthropic contributions. Former President Bill Clinton once praised the Carters for “doing more good for more people in more places than any other couple on Earth.”
Carter is survived by his children Amy, Chip, Jack, and Jeff, as well as 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
The world remembers Jimmy Carter not only as a statesman but also as a tireless advocate for peace, human rights, and democracy.
