Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has passed away at the age of 100, as confirmed by The Carter Center. The former leader, who celebrated his centennial birthday in October, died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday afternoon.
Carter’s life spanned a remarkable century, from his beginnings as a peanut farmer in Georgia to his tenure in the White House from 1977 to 1981. His presidency was marked by significant challenges, including economic turbulence and foreign policy crises. However, it was his post-presidential humanitarian efforts that truly cemented his legacy, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
“My father was a hero,” said Chip Carter, one of his four children, in a heartfelt statement. “Not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. We thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
A life of service
Born in Plains, Georgia, in 1924, Carter served in the US Navy before entering politics. His tenure as governor of Georgia paved the way for his rise to the presidency. As president, he brokered the historic Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel in 1978, a notable diplomatic achievement.
However, his presidency was overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis and domestic economic struggles, including inflation and high interest rates. These challenges contributed to his loss to Republican Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election, a defeat that relegated him to political obscurity in the immediate aftermath.
Post-presidency redemption
Following his exit from the White House, Carter chose a path of humility and service. He returned to his modest two-bedroom ranch home in Plains, declining the lucrative opportunities often embraced by former presidents. Instead, he dedicated himself to global humanitarian causes, focusing on reducing inequality, promoting democracy, and combating disease.
Through The Carter Center, which he founded in 1982, he championed human rights and democracy worldwide. His efforts included eradicating Guinea worm disease, a neglected tropical illness, and promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
He also joined Nelson Mandela to establish The Elders, an organisation of global leaders committed to addressing pressing international issues.
In 2002, Carter became only the third US president to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Accepting the honour, he highlighted “the growing chasm between the richest and poorest people on Earth” as the world’s most pressing issue.
Tributes from around the world
Leaders from across the political spectrum and around the globe have paid tribute to Carter’s enduring legacy.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden described him as “an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian”. They lauded his principles, humility, and commitment to improving the lives of Americans and people around the world.
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Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton noted his “tireless work for a better, fairer world”. Barack Obama called him a model of “grace, dignity, justice, and service”. Republican George W. Bush remarked that Carter “dignified the office” of the presidency and continued his efforts to better the world even after leaving it.
A humble end
In 2023, Carter entered hospice care, foregoing further medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, passed away in November of the same year, and he spent his final days surrounded by family. He is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Carter’s death marks the end of an era. Since the passing of George H.W. Bush in 2018, he held the distinction of being the oldest surviving US president.
Legacy
While Carter’s presidency was often criticised for its challenges, his post-presidential work reshaped his legacy. He is now remembered as a man of principle who devoted his life to service, humility, and global betterment.
A state funeral will be held in Washington, D.C., where the nation will commemorate the life of a man who lived not for power, but for peace.
