Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States, Dies at 99

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a global humanitarian, has died, leaving behind a legacy of service and peace advocacy.

Former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100, as announced on Sunday by his nonprofit foundation.

Carter, who had been receiving hospice care since February 2023, spent his last days at his home in Plains, Georgia. This small town is where he was born and started his life as a peanut farmer before gaining national and global recognition.

Carter was president from 1977 to 1981, where he advocated for human rights, environmental conservation, and diplomatic initiatives throughout his term.

Although Carter encountered several obstacles during his presidency, such as the Iran hostage crisis and economic troubles, his years after leaving office strengthened his legacy as a dedicated champion for peace, democracy, and humanitarian causes.

In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his dedication to promoting democracy, resolving international conflicts, and advancing social justice through the Carter Center—an organization he established with his wife, Rosalynn Carter.

Carter “passed away peacefully” at his home in Plains, “surrounded by his family,” according to a statement from The Carter Center.

Chip Carter, the former president’s son, expressed in a statement that his father was regarded as a hero not just by him but also by all who value peace, human rights, and selfless love.

Carter held the distinction of being both the oldest living former U.S. leader and the longest-lived president—a scenario that appeared improbable in 2015 when he, a Southern Democrat, disclosed his brain cancer diagnosis.

Despite facing numerous challenges, the US Navy veteran and devout Christian managed to defy expectations by leading a long and successful post-presidency life following his four years in the Oval Office, which were often viewed as disappointing.

During his single term, Carter prioritized human rights and social justice, experiencing a successful first two years that featured brokering the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.

However, his administration encountered several obstacles—the most significant being the hostage crisis in Iran and the disastrous failed rescue mission for the 52 American captives in 1980. Additionally, he faced criticism for his management of an oil crisis.

In November of that year, Republican challenger Ronald Reagan decisively defeated Carter at the polls, limiting the Democrat to a single term. Former actor and California governor Reagan entered office riding a strong wave of staunch conservatism.

Over the years, a more detailed view of Carter developed, recognizing his substantial activities after leaving the presidency and reevaluating his accomplishments.

In 1982, he established the Carter Center to advance his vision of global diplomacy. His relentless efforts in promoting social and economic justice earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

He monitored countless elections globally, establishing himself as a leading international mediator who addressed global issues ranging from North Korea to Bosnia.

Carter, famous for his distinctive broad smile, expressed that fundamental Christian principles like justice and love formed the foundation of his presidency. Even into his 90s, he continued to teach Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains.

In recent years, he underwent several hospital treatments, including a period in August 2015 when he disclosed his brain cancer diagnosis and was receiving radiation therapy.

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia, who serves as pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church where Martin Luther King Jr once preached, extended his wishes for comfort to the Carter family when the former president entered hospice care last year.

“Throughout the various seasons of life, President Jimmy Carter, a person of deep faith, has journeyed with God,” Warnock wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

During this delicate period of change, God is surely by his side.

In April 2021, President Joe Biden and his wife Jill visited the Carters at their home in Plains.

The White House later released a photo of the couples smiling together. However, only Rosalynn was seen by the press outside as she used a walker to bid farewell to the Bidens.

Rosalynn, Carter’s wife of 77 years, passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96.

The former president, appearing frail, made a touching appearance at her memorial service in a wheelchair. A blanket adorned with their likenesses was draped over his lap.

Carter is survived by their four children: three sons and a daughter.