Former President Jimmy Carter passed away today at the age of 100 in his home in Plains, Georgia.
On February 18, The Carter Center released a statement regarding his health, indicating that he had entered hospice care.
“After several brief hospitalizations, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has chosen to spend his final days at home surrounded by family, opting for hospice care instead of further medical treatment. He has the unwavering support of his family and healthcare team.”
In recent years, the Georgia native faced numerous health challenges. He overcame brain cancer in 2015, but a series of medical issues in 2019 required surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. Following this procedure, he had to discontinue his long-held tradition of teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter, Jr. was the son of Earl and Lillian Carter, who ran a peanut farm and warehouse along with a store. Carter served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant before transitioning into a political career.
After one term as governor of Georgia, he won the presidency by defeating Gerald R. Ford, becoming the 39th president of the United States. At the time of his passing, he held the record as the oldest living U.S. president, surpassing George H.W. Bush, who died at 94 in 2018.
Carter’s presidency was marked by significant challenges, but he also achieved notable successes. According to White House archives, he expanded the national park system, protecting 103 million acres of Alaskan land. He also established the Department of Education, strengthened the Social Security system, and appointed unprecedented numbers of women, Black Americans, and Hispanics to government roles.
In 1978, Carter played a pivotal role in the Camp David Accords, mediating discussions between Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, which led to Israel’s return of territories occupied during the 1973 war in exchange for Egypt’s recognition of Israel. Both leaders were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts.
Carter’s commitment to service continued after his presidency ended with his defeat in the 1980 election. In 1982, he and Rosalynn established the Carter Center in Atlanta in collaboration with Emory University, aiming to promote conflict resolution, democracy, and health improvement. Through the center, he spearheaded a successful initiative to combat Guinea worm disease, which had drastically reduced from an estimated 3.5 million cases in 1986 to just 126 by 2014, potentially marking the first eradication of a human disease since smallpox.
The couple also maintained a long-standing partnership with Habitat for Humanity, a global nonprofit organization based in Georgia. Carter was often seen on construction sites, volunteering to build homes for those in need, with his involvement continuing as recently as 2020.
In 1998, Carter received the United Nations’ Human Rights Prize, and the following year, he and Rosalynn were honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award. In presenting the medal, President Bill Clinton remarked, “Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have done more good things for more people in more places than any other couple on the face of the Earth.”
In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his relentless efforts toward peaceful conflict resolution, advancing democracy and human rights, and fostering economic and social development.
Carter’s legacy will be defined by his lifelong commitment to human rights and peace, alongside his devotion to family and faith. He and Rosalynn enjoyed the longest presidential marriage in history, lasting over 75 years. He is survived by his children: John William “Jack,” James Earl “Chip,” Donnel Jeffrey “Jeff,” and Amy Carter, as well as 22 grandchildren.
Our condolences are extended to the Carter family during this difficult time.
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