Jimmy Carter, Former U.S. President and Nobel Laureate, Dies at 100

Jimmy Carter was President of the U.S. from 1977 to 1981

Former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, passed away on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. At 100, he was the longest-lived president in U.S. history.

The news of Carter's death was confirmed by his son, James E. Carter III, who shared that his father passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden issued a heartfelt statement, describing Carter as “an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.” They reflected on their decades-long friendship with him and noted how millions across the globe considered him a friend despite never meeting him.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and served in the Navy until 1953. After returning to Georgia to manage his family's peanut farming business, he entered politics, serving as a Georgia state senator from 1963 to 1967 and as governor from 1971 to 1975. Carter won the presidency in 1976, defeating incumbent Gerald Ford.

As president, Carter was renowned for his focus on international diplomacy, including brokering the historic Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel in 1978. Domestically, he faced challenges such as an energy crisis and high inflation. After losing his re-election bid to Ronald Reagan in 1980, Carter redirected his efforts to humanitarian work, founding the Carter Center in 1982. The center became a global leader in promoting human rights and democracy. In 2002, Carter was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in advancing peace and human rights worldwide.

In his post-presidency, Carter devoted himself to service, including volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and contributing to efforts to eradicate diseases in underserved regions. Even in his 90s, he remained active, speaking on social justice and human rights issues.

Carter entered hospice care in February 2023, choosing to spend his final months at home with his family. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, preceded him in death earlier this year.

Plans for a state funeral in Washington, D.C., are underway, along with memorial events in Atlanta and his hometown of Plains. Specific details will be shared in the coming days.

Carter leaves behind a legacy as a tireless advocate for peace and human rights. He is survived by his four children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will continue to honor his enduring impact on the world.