Jimmy Carter, 39th President and Global Humanitarian, Dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States who transformed the role of former president into that of global humanitarian and peacemaker, died at his home in Plains, Georgia, the Carter Center announced. He was 100 years old.

Carter’s death comes just months after losing his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, who passed away in November 2023 in the modest house they built together in 1961. The former president had entered hospice care in February 2023, choosing to spend his final days at home.

Rising from a peanut farmer in Plains to the nation’s highest office, Carter served one term as president from 1977 to 1981. His White House tenure was marked by significant diplomatic achievements, including the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, the transfer of the Panama Canal, and establishing formal diplomatic relations with China. However, his presidency was also challenged by soaring inflation, an energy crisis, and the Iranian hostage crisis that contributed to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980.

It was in his post-presidency that Carter truly found his calling. For more than four decades after leaving the White House, he worked tirelessly for humanitarian causes around the world. He monitored elections in developing nations, built houses with Habitat for Humanity, and through the Carter Center, led campaigns to eradicate diseases and promote democracy globally. His dedication to peace and human rights earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

“I can’t deny that I was a better ex-president than I was a president,” Carter once remarked with characteristic humility at a 2005 press breakfast in Washington.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Navy’s submarine service before returning home to take over his family’s peanut business. His political career began in the Georgia State Senate, leading to his election as governor in 1970, where he declared an end to the era of segregation in Georgia.

Despite entering the 1976 presidential race as a virtually unknown candidate – prompting the famous “Jimmy who?” headlines – Carter’s promise of honest leadership in the wake of the Watergate scandal resonated with voters, leading to his narrow victory over incumbent Gerald Ford.

His presidential legacy includes significant environmental protection measures, particularly in Alaska, and laying groundwork for energy independence. However, his term was overshadowed by economic challenges and the 444-day Iran hostage crisis, which ended only minutes after Reagan took office.

Carter remained remarkably active into his 90s, continuing to teach Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains and maintaining his involvement in charitable causes despite health challenges, including a bout with brain cancer in 2015.

In his later years, Carter spoke openly about death, telling his Sunday school class in 2019 that he was “absolutely and completely at ease with death.” His last major public appearance was at his and Rosalynn’s 75th anniversary celebration in July 2021, where he personally greeted hundreds of guests despite his evident fragility.

When asked about his legacy, Carter emphasized two primary achievements: “One is peace,” he said. “I kept peace when I was president and I try to promote peace between other people and us… And human rights… I think human rights and peace are the two things I’d like to be remembered for – as well as being a good grandfather.”

Carter is survived by his four children and multiple grandchildren. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that transcended his presidency to embrace a global mission of peace, human rights, and service to others.