A Life of Service and Humanity Ends Peacefully at His Georgia Home
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has died at the age of 100. The Carter Center announced that the former president passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family.
Carter had been in hospice care since February 2023. A dedicated public servant, he rose from humble beginnings as a peanut farmer in rural Georgia to the highest office in the country, serving as president from 1977 to 1981.
“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 statement.
A Presidency of Highs and Lows
Carter’s presidency was marked by a focus on human rights and social justice. He achieved a landmark foreign policy success with the Camp David Accords, which brokered peace between Israel and Egypt. However, his term was marred by challenges, including the 1979 Iran hostage crisis and economic struggles stemming from an oil crisis.
These difficulties led to a decisive defeat by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election, relegating Carter to a single term in office.
A Fruitful Post-Presidency
Despite a presidency often viewed as disappointing, Carter built a towering legacy after leaving the White House. In 1982, he founded the Carter Center to promote diplomacy, human rights, and public health worldwide.
Carter’s efforts earned him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his work in advancing social and economic justice. He became a prominent global figure, mediating international conflicts, monitoring elections, and addressing humanitarian issues in regions such as North Korea and Bosnia.
A devout Christian, Carter’s faith guided his actions throughout his life. He continued teaching Sunday school at his hometown church, Maranatha Baptist, well into his 90s.
A Life Defined by Resilience
Carter defied numerous health challenges over the years, including a 2015 brain cancer diagnosis. His remarkable longevity made him the longest-living US president.
The former president’s death comes just over a year after the passing of Rosalynn Carter, his wife of 77 years, in November 2023. Carter poignantly attended her memorial service in a wheelchair, visibly frail but surrounded by family.
Carter is survived by his four children, three sons, and a daughter, as well as his enduring legacy of service, faith, and a relentless commitment to bettering the world.
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