The 39th President of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100.
The Carter Center announced on Sunday that he passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family.
Carter had been in hospice care since February 2023, opting to spend his final days in the small rural town where he was born, raised, and once operated a peanut farm before embarking on a political career that led him to the White House.
His son, Chip Carter, described the late president as “a hero” to many, saying, “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.”
A Presidency Marked by Highs and Lows
Jimmy Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981, leading the nation during a challenging period marked by both significant achievements and setbacks. Early in his administration, Carter prioritised human rights and brokered the historic Camp David Accords, which brought peace between Israel and Egypt.
However, his presidency faced difficulties, including the Iran hostage crisis and a faltering economy worsened by an oil crisis. These challenges contributed to his defeat in the 1980 election, where he lost to Republican Ronald Reagan in a landslide.
Despite his single-term presidency often being viewed as disappointing, Carter’s post-presidential legacy transformed his image into that of a global statesman and humanitarian.
A Legacy of Humanitarian Work
After leaving the White House, Carter founded the Carter Center in 1982, dedicating his efforts to promoting democracy, human rights, and global health. His work earned him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize.
Carter also became a renowned mediator and election observer, lending his expertise to conflict resolution efforts in countries such as North Korea, Bosnia, and Sudan. Throughout his life, his faith and commitment to justice remained central to his mission.
Even into his 90s, Carter taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, where he was known for his humility and dedication to Christian values.
A Life of Resilience
Carter defied numerous health challenges in his later years, including a 2015 brain cancer diagnosis. He continued to remain active in public life until recent years, appearing at public events and even hosting President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at his Plains home in 2021.
The death of Rosalynn Carter, his wife of 77 years, in November 2023, marked a poignant chapter in his final months. At her memorial service, Carter appeared frail but present, a testament to his enduring commitment to family.
A Nation Mourns
Carter’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life that spanned a century. US Senator Raphael Warnock, reflecting on Carter’s faith and service, said last year, “Across life’s seasons, President Jimmy Carter, a man of great faith, has walked with God. In this tender time of transitioning, God is surely walking with him.”
Carter is survived by his four children, three sons and a daughter. His legacy as a champion of peace, justice, and human rights endures, leaving an indelible mark on both the United States and the world.
