Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, renowned globally for his humanitarian efforts following his presidency, has passed away at the age of 100.
The Carter Center confirmed his death on Sunday, stating, “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia.”
Carter’s death comes just months after the passing of his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023 at the modest home they built in 1961. The couple had spent their later years in the same house where Carter began managing his father’s peanut business before venturing into politics.
In February 2023, Carter announced his decision to enter hospice care, choosing to forego further medical intervention. At the time, his grandson, Jason Carter, shared, “They are at peace and – as always – their home is full of love,” in a heartfelt social media post.
Despite his declining health, Carter remained politically engaged, expressing his desire to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981, made history as the longest-living former U.S. president, surpassing George H.W. Bush in 2019. Following his single term in office, he dedicated decades to charitable causes, including monitoring elections in developing countries, building homes through Habitat for Humanity, and teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia.
During his presidency, Carter achieved significant milestones, such as brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, transferring control of the Panama Canal to Panama, expanding public lands in Alaska, and formalizing diplomatic ties with China. However, his administration faced challenges, including high inflation, energy crises, and the Iran hostage crisis, which contributed to his defeat in the 1980 election against Ronald Reagan.
In his later years, Carter battled various health issues, including brain cancer in 2015 and complications from falls in 2019. Nonetheless, his commitment to humanitarian work never wavered. His efforts were recognized in 2002 when he received the Nobel Peace Prize, cementing his legacy as a tireless advocate for peace and human rights.
