Former President Jimmy Carter has passed away at the age of 100, concluding a remarkable life marked by dedication to public service and humanitarian efforts. Carter, who was the 39th president of the United States, gained recognition as a Georgia peanut farmer before taking office in 1977. His presidency was characterized by initiatives aimed at restoring public trust in government and his relentless commitment to humanitarian causes. In acknowledgment of his global peace efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Carter died on a Sunday, having spent nearly two years under hospice care at his residence in Plains, Georgia. At the age of 52, he was inaugurated as president on January 20, 1977, after a successful campaign against President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 election. He exited the presidency on January 20, 1981, following his defeat by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election.
Plans for Carter’s state funeral have been set for January 9, as announced by President Joe Biden, who has also declared that date a National Day of Mourning across the nation. In honor of Carter’s legacy, Biden ordered U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff for a period of 30 days.
On the international stage, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres paid tribute to Carter, highlighting his pivotal role in fostering global peace agreements, including the Camp David Accords and the SALT II Treaty. Guterres noted that Carter’s dedication to human rights was evident even after his presidency, as he engaged in mediation and election monitoring activities across the globe. He also celebrated Carter’s support for democracy and efforts to combat diseases.
World leaders, including King Charles III, expressed their condolences, reflecting on Carter’s commitment to peace and human rights throughout his career. The king fondly remembered Carter’s visit to the United Kingdom in 1977, emphasizing the former president’s dedication to public service.
President Biden took a moment to remember Carter as an extraordinary leader and friend. He mentioned that Carter’s passing leaves a significant void, noting that Carter embodied compassion and unmistakable moral clarity in his work, never turning away from those in need. Biden emphasized that Carter’s values reflect a commitment to decency that remains relevant today.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi also remarked on Carter’s historic role in securing the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, asserting that his humanitarian work set a high benchmark for love and fraternity.
As President Biden prepared to speak publicly about Carter’s legacy, he expressed the profound impact the former president had on numerous aspects of global humanitarian efforts during and after his term.
Carter and his wife, Rosalynn’s, enduring relationship spanned over 77 years. Their partnership was well-known, as Rosalynn played an integral role in both his political career and philanthropic endeavors. The couple first met as children, with her birth attended by his mother, which added another layer of significance to their lengthy companionship. Together, they founded The Carter Center, where they continued to champion various humanitarian causes.
Grandson Jason Carter, who now leads The Carter Center’s board, noted that despite their monumental achievements, his grandparents remained grounded and never lost their humble roots. He remarked that their worldwide travels were not driven by arrogance but rather a genuine understanding of humanity’s capacity for change.
Following Carter’s death, several leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, commended his unwavering dedication to peace and public service. They highlighted his transformative approach to post-presidency work, particularly in social justice and human rights.
To pay tribute to Carter, the Empire State Building will be lit in red, white, and blue on the evening of his passing, honoring his significant contributions to the nation.
In a collective remembrance, former Presidents Barack Obama and Michelle Obama reflected on Carter’s long-standing commitment to his community and his impact on global humanitarian efforts. They noted the influence of his Sunday school lessons, which drew visitors from around the world to his church.
Ultimately, Jimmy Carter’s life came to an end peacefully in his beloved Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family, embodying the values of kindness and unwavering faith he often expressed throughout his life. His legacy continues to inspire future generations to pursue justice and human rights.
