Jimmy Carter, Former U.S. President, Dies at 100
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who redefined life after the presidency, passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. His son, Chip Carter, confirmed that he died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, at around 3:45 p.m.
Longest-Living U.S. President
Carter, who lived longer than any other U.S. president, had been receiving hospice care since February 2023, following several short hospital stays. He was the only Georgian ever elected to the White House. Although his single term as president was marked by significant achievements, including the Camp David Accords which brought peace between Israel and Egypt, it was overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis.
Carter’s Legacy Grows
Douglas Brinkley, a history professor at Rice University, wrote in his book The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter that Carter’s legacy would continue to grow. “People will be celebrating Jimmy Carter for hundreds of years,” Brinkley noted, highlighting his long-lasting impact.
Early Life and Naval Career
James Earl Carter Jr. was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. He was the first of four children of Earl Carter, a farmer and businessman, and Lillian Gordy Carter, a registered nurse. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Carter joined the Navy’s submarine branch, where he worked closely with Admiral Hyman Rickover, a key figure in developing America’s nuclear submarine fleet.
However, a personal tragedy altered his path. In 1953, his father Earl died of cancer, prompting Carter to leave the Navy and return to Georgia to take over the family farm. In Georgia, he became involved in politics, first serving on the school board and later as a state senator.
Rise to the Presidency
In 1970, Carter was elected governor of Georgia, where he served one term. Afterward, he made a remarkable run for the presidency. He won the Democratic nomination and defeated incumbent President Gerald Ford in the 1976 election.
On Inauguration Day, instead of riding in an armored limousine, Carter and his wife Rosalynn, along with their daughter Amy, walked down Pennsylvania Avenue, greeting the crowds. This gesture symbolized the simplicity and humility that marked his presidency.
Presidential Achievements and Challenges
Carter’s presidency included many important achievements:
- Human Rights Advocacy: He promoted human rights globally.
- Environmental Conservation: Carter expanded the national park system.
- Restoring Trust in Government: He worked to restore credibility after the Watergate scandal.
His most notable success was the Camp David Accords, which resulted in a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt, earning him global acclaim.
However, Carter’s presidency was also fraught with difficulties. At home, the economy struggled due to rising oil prices and inflation, worsened by an embargo from Middle Eastern countries. Internationally, the Iran Hostage Crisis dominated his second term. In November 1979, Iranian militants seized 52 American hostages at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Carter’s efforts to negotiate and his attempt at a military rescue mission failed, and the hostages were not released until the final day of his presidency.
Despite these setbacks, Carter’s reputation would grow over time, largely due to his post-presidential efforts.
Life after the Presidency: Humanitarian Work
After leaving office in 1981, Carter returned to Plains, Georgia. He soon became deeply involved in humanitarian work. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for the poor. Along with his wife, Rosalynn, he founded the Carter Center in Atlanta, which focuses on promoting peace, health, and democracy around the world. The Carter Center continues their mission today.
Carter’s contributions earned him numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, the United Nations Human Rights Prize, and several humanitarian awards. In 2012, he and Rosalynn were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton, who praised them for their unparalleled contributions to humanity.
Survived by Family
Rosalynn Carter, his wife of 77 years, passed away in November 2023. Jimmy Carter is survived by their four children—Amy, Chip, Jack, and Jeff—along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Carter’s legacy as a humanitarian, peace-builder, and former president will continue to influence generations to come.