Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a global icon for peace and humanitarianism, has passed away at the age of 100. The Carter Center, the organization he founded to promote democracy and human rights, confirmed his death on Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia.
Carter, a former peanut farmer and the longest-living U.S. president in history, celebrated his centennial birthday in October. Despite a presidency marked by economic and diplomatic challenges, his post-White House years redefined his legacy, earning him widespread admiration and the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Born in 1924 in Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter Jr. ascended to the presidency in 1977 as a Democrat who promised honesty and transparency. His four years in office were fraught with domestic economic challenges, including high inflation and interest rates, as well as international crises like the Iran hostage situation.
Yet, Carter also achieved significant milestones, most notably the Camp David Accords in 1978, which laid the groundwork for peace between Egypt and Israel. Despite these triumphs, his presidency ended in a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan in 1980, a loss that cast a shadow over his political legacy for years.
Carter’s post-presidential life showcased his unwavering commitment to service. Choosing to return to his modest, two-bedroom home in Plains, he eschewed the lucrative opportunities available to former presidents, dedicating himself instead to humanitarian causes.
Through the Carter Center, he championed efforts to combat inequality, eradicate diseases like Guinea worm, and monitor elections worldwide. His work earned him global recognition and admiration, transforming public perception of a man once criticized for his political tenure.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” his son, Chip Carter, said in a heartfelt statement.
Jimmy Carter’s personal life mirrored his public mission. Married for 77 years to Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023, the couple embodied a partnership of service and devotion. Together, they raised four children, and Carter leaves behind a large family, including 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
In his later years, Carter remained a symbol of humility, focusing on addressing global challenges rather than personal gain. He once told the Washington Post that he never aspired to wealth, preferring instead a life of purpose and simplicity.
Though his presidency was polarizing, Carter’s lifetime of service has become a beacon for millions worldwide. For many, he epitomized the values of integrity, compassion, and selflessness.
As the world reflects on his extraordinary journey, Carter’s legacy endures, not only in the policies he shaped or the crises he navigated but in the countless lives he touched through his tireless humanitarian efforts.
