Former United States (U.S.) President and Nobel Peace Prize winner James Earl Carter Jr. or most commonly known as Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100 in his home in Plains, Georgia on Sunday, December 29.
After spending a year in hospice care, his non-profit organization Carter Center announced the news of his passing on social media, stating that Carter died surrounded by family.
Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia. pic.twitter.com/aqYmcE9tXi
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) December 29, 2024
He turned 100 in October, making him the longest-lived U.S. president in American history. But apart from that, Carter will continue to be remembered as a force that strived for change and the betterment of society. His career spanned from being a peanut farmer to a State Senator, Governor, and President.
Striving for Peace and Change
According to the White House website, when he first began his journey in politics, Carter had already attracted attention by “emphasizing ecology, efficiency in government, and the removal of racial barriers.”
His passion for helping others extended to initiating peaceful tactics to international conflicts, advancing democracy and human rights, all while promoting the U.S. economy and social development. This effort allowed Carter to be recognized and win the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. As a prolific author, he was also one of the finalists for the Pulitzer Prize for his memoir “An Hour Before Daylight.”
He served as the 39th President from January 20, 1977 to January 20, 1981. After his term, Carter and his family returned to their hometown in Georgia, where he continued to wield influence in humanitarian causes and politics. He endorsed candidates in high profile races like Vice President Kamala Harris.
Mourning the Loss of America’s 39th President
Apart from his remarkable humanitarian efforts, Carter will be remembered fondly by his friends and family. Despite the long life he had, he will be deeply missed by people, especially those closest to his heart.
In a statement, his son Chip said that he considers his father to be a hero, and thanked everyone who honored his memory by continuing to live the shared beliefs they have with the former president.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs,” Chip said.
“The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs,” he added.
Former President Barack Obama remembered Carter for his constant pursuit of the truth, including his deep belief that everyone is created in God’s image.
For Obama, Sunday mornings at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Georgia was a vivid memory of Carter teaching Sunday school; The very foundation that built him into the man he once was, making the constant choice to alleviate suffering and working together for peace.
“Maranatha Baptist Church will be a little quieter on Sundays, but President Carter will never be far away — buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels,” Obama said.
President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man. https://t.co/dZHL0Nu0Tj
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 29, 2024
Carter was not an unreachable figure at all, as several people, including President Joe Biden, consider him as a close friend. In a post on X, he remembered the late former president as his dear friend.
“Over six decades, Jill and I had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend,” he captioned his post.
“But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well,” he added.
Over six decades, Jill and I had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2024
But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. pic.twitter.com/irknhZ6CJY
Following Biden’s post, an official statement from the White House was released.
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism,” the statement said.
“We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts,” it added.
Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. pic.twitter.com/Ki7Rhbent0
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2024
His wife and former first lady Rosalynn Carter died on November 19, 2023 at 96 years old. They were married for 77 years.
In honor of the former president, Biden will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C.
