Jimmy Carter, Former President and Nobel Laureate, Dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, the humble peanut farmer who rose to the pinnacle of American politics as the 39th president of the United States, has died at the age of 100. Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate celebrated for his post-presidential humanitarian work, passed away peacefully on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family, according to The Carter Center.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son, in a heartfelt statement.

Carter, the oldest living ex-president in U.S. history, had been receiving hospice care since February 2023. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary life that spanned a century and left a profound mark on American history and global humanitarian efforts.

From Humble Beginnings to the White House

Born and raised in the small town of Plains, Georgia, Carter’s journey to the presidency was nothing short of remarkable. He began his career as a naval officer before returning to Georgia to run the family’s peanut farm. His entry into politics saw him serve as a state senator and later as governor of Georgia, championing progressive policies in the post-civil rights era.

In 1977, Carter entered the Oval Office, promising honesty and transparency in the wake of the Watergate scandal. His presidency, however, was a mixed bag of accomplishments and challenges. A staunch advocate for human rights, Carter brokered the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, a landmark achievement in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Yet, his administration faced domestic turbulence, including an energy crisis and the Iranian hostage crisis, which overshadowed his tenure.

In 1980, Carter’s bid for reelection was thwarted by Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, who swept into office on a wave of conservatism. Despite this setback, Carter’s legacy would grow in the decades to come.

A Legacy of Peace and Justice

After leaving the White House, Carter embarked on an extraordinary second act, dedicating his life to humanitarian causes. In 1982, he founded The Carter Center, an organization committed to advancing human rights, eradicating disease, and promoting free elections around the globe. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, recognizing his tireless advocacy for social and economic justice.

Carter’s post-presidency was marked by hands-on activism. He observed elections in more than 100 countries and mediated conflicts from North Korea to Bosnia. Throughout, his Christian faith remained a guiding force. Well into his 90s, Carter continued teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, embodying humility and service.

A Life of Resilience

Carter’s resilience was evident in his later years. In 2015, he announced he had brain cancer, but he defied the odds, undergoing treatment and continuing his public engagements. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96. Carter made a poignant appearance at her memorial service, a frail figure in a wheelchair, a blanket bearing their likenesses draped over his lap.

The Carters shared a life of deep partnership, raising four children: three sons and a daughter. The couple’s enduring bond and shared commitment to service inspired millions.

Tributes Pour In

Tributes to Carter’s legacy have poured in from around the world. U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, who serves as pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church where Martin Luther King Jr. once preached, honored Carter’s faith and contributions. “Across life’s seasons, President Jimmy Carter, a man of great faith, has walked with God. In this tender time of transitioning, God is surely walking with him,” Warnock wrote on social media.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, who visited the Carters in Plains in 2021, also paid their respects. The visit underscored the enduring admiration for Carter’s humility and dedication to public service.

As the nation bids farewell to Jimmy Carter, his legacy as a champion of peace, human rights, and compassion will continue to inspire future generations. Carter’s life reminds us that true greatness is measured not just in accomplishments, but in the values we uphold and the lives we touch.