ATLANTA — Jimmy Carter, known as the peanut farmer who endeavored to restore integrity to the White House following the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, passed away at the age of 100. His death was announced by The Carter Center on Sunday afternoon, nearly 22 months after he began hospice care. He died peacefully at home in Plains, Georgia, where he had shared a life with his wife, Rosalynn, until her passing in November 2023, surrounded by family members.
President Joe Biden expressed sorrow over Carter’s death, describing him as an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.” Biden reflected on the loss of his friend while highlighting Carter’s extensive efforts to combat disease, promote peace, advance civil and human rights, support fair elections, and help the homeless. In his address that Sunday evening, Biden characterized the day as “sad” yet filled with “incredible memories,” noting his long-standing relationship with Carter that spans over five decades.
Biden recounted a poignant moment from 2015 when Carter provided comfort after the death of his son, Beau, due to cancer, a disease that also affected Carter later in life. Biden remarked, “Jimmy knew the ravages of the disease too well,” acknowledging their shared experience with cancer. As a testament to his respect for Carter, Biden has ordered a state funeral for him in Washington.
A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the presidential race in 1976 as a relatively unknown governor from Georgia, presenting himself with a warm smile and a commitment to honesty that resonated with Americans following the fallout from Nixon’s presidency. His promise to maintain transparency appealed to voters who longed for sincerity in leadership. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” he famously declared.
Under Carter’s leadership, he successfully brokered a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, bringing together Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for negotiations that lasted 13 days in 1978. However, his administration faced challenges, including soaring inflation and a 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. While he managed to secure the safe return of the hostages, they were released only after Ronald Reagan was inaugurated, following a decisive defeat of Carter in the 1980 election.
Retreating to his home in Georgia, Carter felt compelled by his faith to continue his efforts toward making a positive impact. He co-founded The Carter Center in 1982, dedicating the following four decades to peace initiatives, advocating for human rights, and supporting democracy and public health initiatives worldwide. Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his influential efforts to diminish nuclear tensions between North and South Korea, avert U.S. military engagement in Haiti, and broker cease-fires in regions such as Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the Carter Center had monitored over 113 elections globally, and Carter focused on eradicating guinea worm disease among other health initiatives, often participating in service projects with Habitat for Humanity well into his 90s.
Despite criticism that he was more effective as a former president, Carter witnessed a resurgence of historical reevaluations of his presidency, with scholars acknowledging its significance. Rising to prominence in the 1976 election following strong support in Iowa and the Southern states, Carter captured the public’s attention with his earnestness during a campaign that eschewed extravagance. His candid confession during a Playboy interview about his moral struggles was interpreted as authenticity by many, contrasting sharply with pervasive political cynicism.
Carter’s administration was marked by a casual approach to the presidency, from carrying their own luggage to enrolling their daughter Amy in public schools. He became a subject of satire for wearing a cardigan and advocating for energy conservation. Nonetheless, his policies laid the groundwork for future economic growth by deregulating various sectors, including energy, airlines, and transportation.
His advocacy for human rights led to a curtailment of support for authoritarian regimes and an aggressive stance against corporate bribery through the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He achieved significant diplomatic milestones, such as the ratification of the Panama Canal treaties and the normalization of U.S.-China relations, building on Nixon’s earlier outreach efforts. However, Carter’s presidency was marred by domestic and international crises that undermined public confidence.
As OPEC raised crude oil prices and inflation soared, Carter faced criticism when he addressed what the media eventually labeled a “malaise” speech, although he never used that term. His administration grappled with the fallout of the Iranian Revolution, culminating in a hostage crisis after admitting the exiled Shah of Iran into the U.S. for medical treatment. Additionally, tensions increased after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, leading to the suspension of the SALT II treaty negotiations. While historians later recognized Carter’s diplomatic efforts as instrumental in ending the Cold War, the perception of his leadership was challenged, paving the way for a landslide victory for Reagan in the 1980 election.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter Jr. married Rosalynn Smith in 1946 after graduating from the Naval Academy. He returned to Plains to raise his family after the death of his father, abandoning military service to pursue a political career. Elected to the state Senate in 1962, he gained national attention as governor in 1970 for his decisive stance against racial discrimination.
Carter authored more than 30 books and remained an active figure in promoting democracy, even overseeing an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results through his foundation. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2015, he expressed acceptance and contentment with his life, stating, “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.”
