Jimmy Carter, 100-Year-Old Former US President and Nobel Peace Laureate, Dies at Home
Jimmy Carter, the 100-year-old former president of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away on Sunday, according to a statement from his nonprofit foundation. Carter, who had been receiving hospice care since February 2023, died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was the nation’s longest-lived president and the oldest former U.S. leader in history.
Carter’s son, Chip Carter, described his father as “a hero” to him and to anyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. The former president was born in the small town of Plains, Georgia, and spent much of his life there, first running a peanut farm before entering politics. He served as the governor of Georgia before being elected the 39th president of the United States in 1976.
Carter’s presidency, which spanned from 1977 to 1981, was marked by both achievements and challenges. One of his major successes was brokering the Camp David Accords in 1978, which brought peace between Israel and Egypt. However, his presidency was also plagued by difficulties, including the Iran hostage crisis and an oil embargo that led to high inflation and economic instability. Carter’s failure to resolve the hostage situation led to his loss in the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan.
After leaving the White House, Carter dedicated his life to humanitarian work, establishing the Carter Center in 1982. He became a respected international mediator, overseeing elections in several countries and working on global health and peace initiatives. His efforts earned him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize.
Known for his warm smile and commitment to Christian values, Carter continued to teach Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains well into his 90s. In addition to his work with the Carter Center, Carter was a passionate advocate for human rights, global diplomacy, and economic justice, traveling the world to mediate conflicts and promote peace.
Carter’s health had been a concern for several years, with the former president announcing in 2015 that he had been diagnosed with brain cancer. Despite the diagnosis, he remained active, continuing his public service and humanitarian work. He and his wife, Rosalynn, celebrated 77 years of marriage before her passing on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96. Carter, though frail, attended her memorial service in a wheelchair, touching many with his resilience.
Carter is survived by his four children: three sons and a daughter. His death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to public service, peace, and the promotion of justice around the world.
