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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President and Humanitarian Icon, Dies at 100

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 30th, 2024.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President and Humanitarian Icon, Dies at 100

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. Carter, who lived longer than any other U.S. president, had been under hospice care in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, since February 2023 after multiple hospitalizations.

The only Georgian to ever hold the office of president, Carter’s time in the White House was marked by significant achievements, including the Camp David Accords, which brokered peace between Israel and Egypt. However, his presidency was also marred by the Iran hostage crisis. Despite the challenges of his single term in office, Carter’s legacy grew significantly in the decades that followed through his humanitarian efforts and diplomatic work with The Carter Center, which he co-founded with his wife, Rosalynn Carter.

In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his lifelong commitment to peace and democracy, particularly through his work at The Carter Center.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter was the first of four children born to Earl and Lillian Gordy Carter. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating before joining the Navy’s submarine service. After his father’s death in 1953, Carter left the Navy and returned to Georgia to take over the family farm. His political career began with his election to the local school board, followed by his tenure as a state senator and then governor of Georgia.

In 1976, Carter made an unlikely run for the presidency, winning the Democratic nomination and defeating incumbent Gerald Ford in the election. As president, he worked to promote human rights, enhance environmental protection, and restore the integrity of the U.S. government following the Watergate scandal. His most notable foreign achievement was the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, known as the Camp David Accords, which earned him global recognition.

However, his presidency was overshadowed by domestic economic troubles, including high inflation and an energy crisis, as well as the Iran hostage crisis, which remained unresolved until the final day of his term.

After leaving the White House, Carter became a tireless advocate for peace, health, and human rights. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and co-founded The Carter Center, focusing on global health and democratic development. His humanitarian work earned him numerous accolades, including the United Nations Human Rights Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Carter is survived by his children Amy, Chip, Jack, and Jeff; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, passed away in November 2023.

Carter’s contributions to global peace and humanitarian efforts are widely recognized, and his legacy as one of America’s most respected former presidents is secure.