PLAINS, GA (LOOTPRESS) — Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a tireless advocate for human rights, peace, and democracy, passed away at the age of 100. His death follows a February 2023 announcement that he had entered hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, after a series of hospital stays.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter grew up on a peanut farm before graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Rising to the rank of lieutenant, he served aboard submarines and later inspired the commissioning of a nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Jimmy Carter, in 2005.
Carter’s political career began in 1962 when he was elected to the Georgia State Senate. By 1976, he emerged from relative obscurity as a one-term Georgia governor to win the presidency. Running as a Washington outsider in the wake of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, Carter defeated incumbent Gerald Ford to restore public trust in government.
His single term in office was marked by significant achievements, including brokering the historic Camp David Accords in 1978 between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Despite this, Carter’s presidency faced challenges such as the Iran hostage crisis and economic struggles, leading to his landslide defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980.
A Legacy Beyond the Presidency
Carter’s post-presidential years redefined the role of former presidents. He and his wife, Rosalynn, founded The Carter Center in 1982, focusing on advancing democracy, monitoring elections, and combating diseases in developing nations. His dedication to global peace earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
The Carters also devoted decades to Habitat for Humanity, volunteering from 1984 until 2020 to build homes for those in need. Jimmy Carter’s commitment to public service remained unwavering even after significant health challenges, including a melanoma diagnosis in 2015 and multiple falls in 2019.
A Historic Partnership
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter shared a 77-year marriage, the longest of any presidential couple. Together, they raised four children and remained deeply involved in their hometown of Plains. Rosalynn Carter predeceased her husband in November 2023 at the age of 96.
A Century of Leadership and Humanity
Carter, who became the longest-living U.S. president following the death of George H.W. Bush in 2018, spent his final years advocating for democracy and addressing global challenges. While his public appearances became limited during the COVID-19 pandemic, his voice continued to resonate on issues of justice and human rights.
Jimmy Carter’s life exemplified a commitment to service, humility, and peace. His enduring legacy as a champion for human dignity will be remembered by generations worldwide. Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.
