Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Dies at 100 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize-winning global advocate for democracy and human rights, died at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100. Known for his integrity and dedication to humanitarian efforts, Carter’s presidency and post-presidential life were marked by historic achievements, including Mideast peace negotiations, election monitoring, and public health advocacy. President Biden hailed Carter as a man of principle and humility, honoring his contributions to the nation and the world.
Jimmy Carter’s Legacy Quick Looks
- Presidency: Led the nation from 1977 to 1981; emphasized human rights.
- Humanitarian Work: Co-founded The Carter Center; monitored over 113 global elections.
- Achievements: Brokered Camp David Accords, advanced energy independence, and championed equality.
- Challenges: Faced economic turmoil, Iran hostage crisis, and political defeats.
- Personal Life: A Navy veteran, devoted to faith, family, and service.
Deep Look
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a devoted advocate for peace and human rights, passed away at 100 years old at his home in Plains, Georgia. The Carter Center announced that he died peacefully on Sunday afternoon, surrounded by his family, more than a year after entering hospice care. Carter’s passing marks the end of a life defined by service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to bettering the world. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, had preceded him in death in November 2023, ending a 77-year partnership rooted in shared values and devotion to public good.
President Joe Biden paid heartfelt tribute to Carter, calling him an “extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.” Reflecting on Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, Biden highlighted his enduring work in eradicating disease, promoting civil rights, housing the homeless, and fostering peace worldwide. Biden credited Carter with exemplifying how to live a meaningful and purposeful life, urging future generations to study his legacy. The president also announced a state funeral to honor Carter, a rare tribute befitting a man whose life had a profound impact on America and the world.
Carter’s rise to the presidency came during a tumultuous period in American history. Following the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War, he campaigned in 1976 as a moral and honest leader who promised to restore public trust in government. A relatively unknown governor from Georgia, Carter’s broad smile, deep Baptist faith, and technocratic approach to governance resonated with a nation seeking change. His promise to never lie to the American people became a hallmark of his campaign. “If I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter declared.
Carter’s tenure as president from 1977 to 1981 was marked by significant accomplishments and formidable challenges. His administration achieved the historic Camp David Accords, which brokered peace between Egypt and Israel, one of the most enduring diplomatic successes of the 20th century. Domestically, Carter tackled energy reform, creating the Department of Energy and advancing policies that sharply reduced America’s dependence on foreign oil. He also established the Department of Education, appointed record numbers of women and minorities to federal posts, and preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness.
Carter’s presidency was also defined by its emphasis on human rights, a principle that guided his foreign and domestic policies. He signed the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act to combat bribery by multinational corporations and normalized diplomatic relations with China, a continuation of the groundwork laid by Richard Nixon. Carter’s leadership in securing Senate ratification of the Panama Canal treaties underscored his belief in fair and principled international relations.
However, Carter’s presidency faced significant hurdles. Rising oil prices led to long gas lines and double-digit inflation, eroding public confidence. The 1979 Iran hostage crisis, in which 52 Americans were held captive for 444 days, became a defining moment of his administration. Although Carter’s negotiations ultimately secured the hostages’ release, their freedom was delayed until Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in January 1981, a symbolic end to Carter’s presidency. His struggles with economic stagnation and foreign policy setbacks culminated in a decisive defeat to Reagan in the 1980 election.
Undeterred by political setbacks, Carter transitioned into a globally respected statesman. In 1982, he and Rosalynn founded The Carter Center, an organization dedicated to advancing democracy, promoting human rights, and combating global health crises. Over four decades, the Carters traveled to conflict zones, mediated disputes, and worked to eradicate diseases like Guinea worm. By 2022, The Carter Center had monitored more than 113 elections worldwide, ensuring free and fair democratic processes in regions where they were under threat.
Carter’s humanitarian efforts extended to grassroots initiatives like Habitat for Humanity, where he and Rosalynn personally built homes for families well into their 90s. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades-long work to resolve conflicts, promote democracy, and alleviate poverty. Carter’s peacemaking efforts ranged from mediating ceasefires in Bosnia and Sudan to defusing nuclear tensions on the Korean Peninsula and averting a U.S. invasion of Haiti.
Although his presidency was often criticized during his lifetime, Carter’s legacy has undergone significant reevaluation. Historians now highlight his foresight in addressing energy independence, his commitment to environmental preservation, and his emphasis on human rights as transformative elements of his leadership. His presidency laid the groundwork for economic recovery and a stronger focus on ethical governance, leaving an enduring imprint on American politics and society.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter Jr. was raised on a peanut farm, instilling in him a strong work ethic and deep connection to rural America. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946, Carter married Rosalynn Smith, a fellow Plains native, and embarked on a promising naval career. However, his father’s death prompted his return to Plains, where he took over the family business and began his journey into politics.
Elected governor of Georgia in 1970, Carter drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” His progressive stance on civil rights and commitment to equality positioned him as a leader of a new generation of Southern politicians. Despite his political ambitions, Carter’s faith and humility remained central to his identity, qualities that resonated with voters throughout his career.
Even in his later years, Carter remained a prolific writer and advocate, authoring more than 30 books and championing causes close to his heart. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, he expressed peace with his life, saying, “I’ve had an exciting, adventurous, and gratifying existence.” His final years were spent in Plains, where he and Rosalynn cherished their close-knit community and the simple joys of family life.
Jimmy Carter’s life was a testament to the power of integrity, service, and perseverance. As a president, humanitarian, and global advocate for peace, he left an indelible mark on the world, inspiring generations to strive for a better, more equitable future.
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