Jimmy Carter, the 100-year-old former US president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has passed away, according to a statement from his nonprofit foundation on Sunday.
Carter, who grew up in rural Georgia and went on to serve as the nation’s 39th president from 1977 to 1981, had been in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, since February 2023.
The Carter Center confirmed that he died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. “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 the statement.
Carter, the oldest living former US president and the longest-lived president in American history, had defied expectations, especially after revealing in 2015 that he had brain cancer.
Despite this, he continued to live a full and active life, surpassing many prognoses. His presidency, though often viewed as challenging, set the foundation for his remarkable post-presidential career.
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During his single term, Carter was known for his strong focus on human rights and social justice. His first two years in office saw significant achievements, including the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.
However, his presidency faced serious setbacks, including the 1979 Iran hostage crisis and a failed rescue mission. Carter also faced criticism for his handling of an energy crisis. In 1980, he was defeated in a landslide by Ronald Reagan, ushering in a conservative era.
After leaving office, Carter’s legacy evolved as he dedicated his life to global diplomacy and humanitarian efforts.
He founded the Carter Center in 1982, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting peace and advancing human rights.
In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his relentless work in international diplomacy, including his mediation efforts in conflicts around the world, from North Korea to Bosnia. He also observed numerous elections, further solidifying his role as a key global figure.
Carter’s personal faith was central to his life and presidency. Known for his warm smile, he remained active in his church, teaching Sunday school well into his 90s.
In recent years, Carter faced health challenges, including the brain cancer diagnosis in 2015, and various hospital treatments. He had received messages of comfort from prominent figures, such as Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, who praised Carter’s unwavering faith.
In April 2021, President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, visited the Carters in Plains, with a photo later released showing the two couples together.
Carter’s wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96. Carter, frail but determined, attended her memorial service in a wheelchair, with a blanket featuring their likenesses across his lap.
Carter is survived by their four children—three sons and a daughter.
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