Former US President Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president and became a globally respected figure for his tireless work in peace, human rights, and health, has died at the age of 100. Carter, the longest-lived president in US history, died after entering hospice care last year, surrounded by family. Chip Carter, his son, hailed the legacy of his father by describing him as a hero who unites people because of his commitment to peace and love.
Carter was the one term president from Georgia, elected to serve from 1977-1981. His efforts to broker peace in the Middle East and various other challenges like the Iran hostage crisis as well as an economy in shambles made his 1980 loss to Ronald Reagan an end to his presidency. But post the presidency, he turned out to be quite different. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of global humanitarian work, much of it through the Carter Center, which he founded to address public health and human rights issues worldwide.
Among his notable achievements outside office, Carter played a significant role in achieving peace treaties between Israel and Egypt at Camp David in 1978. He also significantly contributed to healthcare initiatives, with efforts to eradicate diseases like river blindness and Guinea worm disease in Africa. As well, he has not been afraid to criticize US foreign policies-including the Iraq War and drone strikes.
Carter’s life was also marked by personal milestones. He and his wife, Rosalynn, were married for 77 years until her death in 2023. The couple’s commitment to global peace and humanitarian causes became a central part of Carter’s enduring legacy.
In his later years, Carter lived quietly in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he was remembered for his humility, moral leadership, and dedication to making the world a better place. Public observances in Atlanta and Washington D.C. will be followed by a private funeral in Plains.
