Jimmy Carter, the 39th president, dies at 100

Carter
President Jimmy Carter

The world says goodbye to President Jimmy Carter, who, at 100 years old, lived longer than any other U.S. president. After entering home hospice care in Plains, Georgia, in February 2023 following a series of short hospital stays, Carter’s passing marks the end of a life that shaped not only American politics but also global humanitarian efforts.

Chip Carter, his son, confirmed that the former president died at his home in Plains at about 3:45 p.m. The Carter Center followed up with a tweet at 4:10 pm. EST.

Carter, the only Georgian ever elected to the White House, served a single term as president, and while his time in office was overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis, it was also highlighted by monumental achievements like the Camp David Accords, which brokered peace between Israel and Egypt.

Carter’s presidency, though marked by setbacks, laid the groundwork for his later work as a humanitarian. After leaving office, he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, turned their attention to the Carter Center in Atlanta, which became a beacon of global diplomacy and public health.

Through the Carter Center, Carter worked tirelessly to promote human rights, fight diseases, and advance peace. His efforts in eradicating Guinea worm disease, reducing it from millions of cases to only a handful today, became a testament to his relentless pursuit of making the world a better place.

“People will be celebrating Jimmy Carter for hundreds of years. His reputation is only going to grow,” said Rice University history professor Douglas Brinkley in his book The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter. This was certainly true when Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his diplomatic efforts through the Carter Center, cementing his legacy as a statesman who continued to serve the world even after leaving the Oval Office.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter was the first of four children to Earl and Lillian Gordy Carter. His early life was shaped by his family’s values—his mother, a registered nurse, and his father, a farmer and businessman who was a key figure in the community.

After attending the U.S. Naval Academy and serving in the Navy’s submarine branch, Carter returned to Georgia in 1953 after his father’s death to take over the family’s farming business. This marked the beginning of his political career, first as a school board member, then state senator, and eventually as governor of Georgia in 1970.

In 1976, Carter embarked on an improbable journey to the White House. He won the Democratic nomination and, in a closely contested race, defeated President Gerald Ford in November, becoming the 39th president of the United States. His inauguration was a moment of symbolism, as he and Rosalynn walked down Pennsylvania Avenue, hand in hand, with their daughter Amy at their side, choosing to forgo the traditional armored limousine.

Carter’s presidency was marked by his promotion of human rights, his commitment to environmental conservation, and his leadership in international diplomacy, particularly in the landmark Camp David Accords.

After his presidency, Carter’s lifelong commitment to service only deepened. Whether through his work with the Carter Center or his efforts with Habitat for Humanity, Carter’s legacy of kindness, diplomacy, and service lives on, inspiring future generations to serve humanity with the same compassion and dedication.

Thirty-nine will be remembered not only for his accomplishments in the Oval Office but for his extraordinary post-presidency work. His humility, integrity, and deep belief in the power of service will continue to resonate for years to come.

Rosalynn Carter, Jimmy Carter’s wife of 77 years, died in November 2023. They are survived by their children Amy, Chip, Jack and Jeff; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.


Iconic actor James Earl Jones passes at 93


Carter
President Jimmy Carter

The world says goodbye to President Jimmy Carter, who, at 100 years old, lived longer than any other U.S. president. After entering home hospice care in Plains, Georgia, in February 2023 following a series of short hospital stays, Carter’s passing marks the end of a life that shaped not only American politics but also global humanitarian efforts.

Chip Carter, his son, confirmed that the former president died at his home in Plains at about 3:45 p.m. The Carter Center followed up with a tweet at 4:10 pm. EST.

Carter, the only Georgian ever elected to the White House, served a single term as president, and while his time in office was overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis, it was also highlighted by monumental achievements like the Camp David Accords, which brokered peace between Israel and Egypt.

Carter’s presidency, though marked by setbacks, laid the groundwork for his later work as a humanitarian. After leaving office, he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, turned their attention to the Carter Center in Atlanta, which became a beacon of global diplomacy and public health.

Through the Carter Center, Carter worked tirelessly to promote human rights, fight diseases, and advance peace. His efforts in eradicating Guinea worm disease, reducing it from millions of cases to only a handful today, became a testament to his relentless pursuit of making the world a better place.

“People will be celebrating Jimmy Carter for hundreds of years. His reputation is only going to grow,” said Rice University history professor Douglas Brinkley in his book The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter. This was certainly true when Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his diplomatic efforts through the Carter Center, cementing his legacy as a statesman who continued to serve the world even after leaving the Oval Office.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter was the first of four children to Earl and Lillian Gordy Carter. His early life was shaped by his family’s values—his mother, a registered nurse, and his father, a farmer and businessman who was a key figure in the community.

After attending the U.S. Naval Academy and serving in the Navy’s submarine branch, Carter returned to Georgia in 1953 after his father’s death to take over the family’s farming business. This marked the beginning of his political career, first as a school board member, then state senator, and eventually as governor of Georgia in 1970.

In 1976, Carter embarked on an improbable journey to the White House. He won the Democratic nomination and, in a closely contested race, defeated President Gerald Ford in November, becoming the 39th president of the United States. His inauguration was a moment of symbolism, as he and Rosalynn walked down Pennsylvania Avenue, hand in hand, with their daughter Amy at their side, choosing to forgo the traditional armored limousine.

Carter’s presidency was marked by his promotion of human rights, his commitment to environmental conservation, and his leadership in international diplomacy, particularly in the landmark Camp David Accords.

After his presidency, Carter’s lifelong commitment to service only deepened. Whether through his work with the Carter Center or his efforts with Habitat for Humanity, Carter’s legacy of kindness, diplomacy, and service lives on, inspiring future generations to serve humanity with the same compassion and dedication.

Thirty-nine will be remembered not only for his accomplishments in the Oval Office but for his extraordinary post-presidency work. His humility, integrity, and deep belief in the power of service will continue to resonate for years to come.

Rosalynn Carter, Jimmy Carter’s wife of 77 years, died in November 2023. They are survived by their children Amy, Chip, Jack and Jeff; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.


Iconic actor James Earl Jones passes at 93