Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has passed away at the age of 100, surrounded by his family at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was the oldest living ex-US leader and the nation’s longest-lived president, defying the odds after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2015.
Carter had been in hospice care since mid-February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia – the same small town where he was born and once ran a peanut farm before becoming governor of the Peach State and running for the White House.
Carter died at his home in Plains, “surrounded by his family,” The Carter Center said in a statement.
Chip Carter, the former president’s son, said; “my father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love.”
Carter’s presidency, which lasted from 1977 to 1981, was marked by a strong commitment to human rights and social justice, including the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. Although his administration faced challenges, such as the Iran hostage crisis and an oil crisis.
As the years passed, a more nuanced image of Carter emerged – one that took into account his significant post-presidential activities and reassessed his achievements. He founded the Carter Center in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy, and he was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts to promote social and economic justice.
He observed numerous elections around the world and emerged as a prominent international mediator, tackling global problems from North Korea to Bosnia.
Carter, known for his radiant grin, said basic Christian tenets such as justice and love served as the bedrock of his presidency. He taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist, his church in Plains, well into his 90s.
In April 2021, President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, met with the Carters at their home in Plains. The White House later released a photo showing the couples smiling together, although only Rosalynn was seen by the press outside, bidding the Bidens farewell while using a walker.
Rosalynn, Carter’s wife of 77 years, died on November 19, 2023 at age 96. The former president, who looked frail, poignantly appeared at her memorial service in a wheelchair, with a blanket on his lap bearing their likenesses.
Carter is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, and will be remembered for his dedication to public service and his legacy as a champion of human rights and peace.
