Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Passes Away at 100

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has passed away at the age of 100. He died on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia. Carter, who made history as both a president and a humanitarian, was widely recognized for his efforts to broker peace and advocate for global causes.

President Joe Biden announced that January 9, 2024, will be designated a national day of mourning in honor of Carter’s memory, calling on Americans to gather in places of worship to pay tribute.

Carter’s presidency, which began in January 1977, was marked by significant achievements and challenges. His administration was defined by the Camp David Accords in 1978, where he successfully mediated peace between Egypt and Israel, a historic achievement that earned him international acclaim. However, his tenure was also marred by economic struggles, an energy crisis, and the Iran hostage crisis, which overshadowed much of his time in office.

Despite the difficulties he faced during his single term, Carter’s post-presidential years brought him widespread recognition as a leading figure in global humanitarian efforts. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work promoting human rights and resolving international conflicts. His efforts in monitoring elections and advancing peace initiatives around the world cemented his reputation as one of the most active former presidents in history.

Carter’s health had been in decline in recent years, particularly after he was diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. He chose to enter hospice care in February 2023 rather than pursue further medical treatment. His wife, Rosalynn, passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96. Carter’s frail appearance was noted when he attended her funeral just a few weeks before his own death.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s life was deeply rooted in his faith and his family’s farming background. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and serving in the military, he returned to Georgia to manage the family’s peanut farming business. He entered politics in the 1960s and served as the governor of Georgia before running for the presidency in 1976, where he won a narrow victory against then-President Gerald Ford.

Throughout his presidency, Carter faced intense criticism for his handling of the economy and foreign policy, particularly the Iran hostage crisis, which saw 52 Americans held captive in Tehran for over a year. His inability to resolve the crisis before his 1980 defeat by Ronald Reagan contributed to his unpopularity at the end of his term.

However, Carter’s post-presidency years were marked by a commitment to public service. He founded the Carter Center in 1982, which became a leading organization for advancing global health, democracy, and human rights. Carter also became known for his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and his writing, publishing over two dozen books on subjects ranging from diplomacy to religion.

World leaders and former U.S. presidents have expressed admiration for Carter’s legacy, citing his tireless efforts to promote peace, human rights, and global development. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, for example, remembered Carter’s critical role in the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, which remains a cornerstone of Middle Eastern diplomacy today.

Carter’s death marks the end of a remarkable century-long life that left a lasting impact on both American and global history.