Jimmy Carter, The 39th US President, Dies At Age 100

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Former US President Jimmy Carter

 

Former US President Jimmy Carter, a statesman, humanitarian, and advocate for peace and democracy, has died at the age of 100, the Carter Center has confirmed.

He passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family. 

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Carter was a former peanut farmer who rose to prominence as the 39th President of the United States.

His presidency, which spanned from 1977 to 1981, was marked by economic challenges and pivotal diplomatic events, including the Camp David Accords and the Iran hostage crisis. Despite leaving office with low approval ratings, Carter’s post-presidential legacy earned him widespread admiration. 

The Carter Center, founded in 1982, became the cornerstone of his efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and global health. Through its work, Carter played a significant role in advancing peace negotiations, monitoring elections, and combating diseases like Guinea worm. His commitment to humanitarian causes earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. 

In a heartfelt statement, Carter’s son, Chip Carter, described his father as “a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. 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.” 

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

As the longest-living president in U.S. history, Jimmy Carter leaves behind a profound legacy that transcends politics. His life was a testament to the power of humility, perseverance, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. 

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. The Carter family has asked the public to honor his memory by continuing to uphold the values he cherished: peace, compassion, and service to others.

Notable figures and organizations celebrate Jimmy Carter’s devotion, kindness and humanitarian work

Notable figures and organizations all over the US are celebrating former President Jimmy Carter’s work as a public servant and humanitarian worker, highlighting his kindness, devotion and decency. There has been a particular outpouring from his home state of Georgia.

Trump says nation owes Jimmy Carter “a debt of gratitude”

President-elect Donald Trump said the nation owes former President Jimmy Carter “a debt of gratitude” following the former president’s death on Sunday.

“I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History,” Trump wrote in a social media post on Sunday.

“The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude,” he continued. “Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.”

Jimmy Carter remembered by the senators of his home state of Georgia

Sens. Raphael Warnock and John Ossoff of Georgia have shared warm words for former President Jimmy Carter, who hailed from the state and founded the Atlanta-based Carter Center.

Warnock praised Carter as “one of my heroes” after the Georgian’s death Sunday and recalled his personal relationship with the former president.

“I’m honored to have had the opportunity to know President Carter—the first president I remember from my childhood, and someone with whom I developed a meaningful friendship. He brought his family to worship at my church. At a family dinner, I remember the President and his amazing wife, Rosalyn, holding my daughter, then just two months old, as if she were their own granddaughter. They were among my favorite people,” Warnock, who is also senior pastor at Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, said in a statement.

Ossoff remembered Carter for his “commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family.”

“I join all Georgians and all Americans in mourning his loss. May Jimmy Carter’s memory be a blessing,” Ossoff said in a statement.

The 39th president died at 100 in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family, according to the Carter Center.

The former president attended his wife’s memorial events, including a private burial and a televised tribute service in Atlanta, where he was seated in the front row in a reclined wheelchair. He did not deliver any remarks.

Lawmakers react to the death of Jimmy Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday at the age of 100, according to a statement from the Carter Center.

Lawmakers are remembering Carter’s legacy as the 39th president of the United States.

Here’s what they are saying:

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: Carter was “one of our most humble and devoted public servants,” he said in a statement mourning the loss of the former president.

“From his legacy as President, to his dedication to improving human rights across the globe, and his tireless efforts alongside his wife Rosalynn, in building a better world through Habitat for Humanity, he inspired millions with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality,” Schumer’s statement read.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell: “President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most,” McConnell said.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that he is “thankful” for the “incredible life, legacy and leadership” of former President Jimmy Carter. Jeffries posted to X, “He was a great man, a great role model and a great humanitarian.”

New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim wrote on X“President Jimmy Carter gave us a pure and lasting example of a public servant. His life and legacy will forever be a lesson on the power in one person’s will to do good. I’m sending love to the Carter family today as we honor his life and untiring, humble mission to help others.”

CNN’s Morgan Rimmer, Danya Gainor and Alayna Treene contributed to this post.

Carter’s accomplishments “unparalleled” in this century, his biographer says

The accomplishments during the presidency of Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at age 100, are “unparalleled” in the past century, his biographer said Sunday.

“His accomplishments are quite amazing. And unparalleled, I would argue, in this century,” Carter biographer Kai Bird said, after listing several of the former president’s biggest accomplishments.

Bird argued Carter “created the modern vice presidency” and made the controversial decision to appoint Paul Volcker chairman of the Federal Reserve “knowing that Volcker was going to jack up interest rates and restrict the money supply in a way that would be perhaps disastrous to his own reelection bid.”

He also pointed to Carter’s foreign policy decisions, including treaties declaring the canal neutral and open to all vessels and providing for joint US-Panamanian control of the territory until the end of 1999, when Panama would be given full control — an issue recently politicized by President-elect Donald Trump.

“Many Americans say that he turned out to be an excellent ex-president, but a failed president. And Jimmy hated that. He actually thought that he succeeded in his presidency in many ways that are surprising. He actually accomplished a great deal. If you look at his legislative record, both in terms of foreign policy and domestic issues, it’s it’s quite amazing. It’s more productive than most presidents,” he added.

Clintons express gratitude for Carter’s “long, good life”

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter and remembered his legacy as a public servant.

“Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others—until the very end,” the Clintons wrote.

Carter “surrounded by his family” at death, the Carter Center says

President Jimmy Carter died peacefully at home in Plains, Georgia, “surrounded by his family,” the Carter Center said in an official statement Sunday.

Carter is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy — along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, the center said.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter in the statement.

“My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. 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,” Chip Carter said.

Public observances honoring Carter’s legacy will be held in Atlanta and Washington, DC, followed by a private interment in Plains, according to the Carter Center.

Final arrangements for his state funeral are still pending, the center said.

An enduring marriage: The Carters were the longest-married presidential couple in history

In the summer of 1945, Jimmy Carter, then a fresh-faced US Naval Academy student, met Eleanor Rosalynn Smith.

After their first date, Carter told his mother: “She’s the girl I want to marry.”

Rosalynn rejected his first proposal but accepted the second a few weeks later. They wed in 1946 and would eventually become the longest-married presidential couple in history.

Carter was asked the secret of his enduring marriage on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper” in July 2015.

“Rosalynn has been the foundation for my entire enjoyment of life … First of all, it’s best to choose the right woman, which I did. And secondly, we give each other space to do our own things,” Carter said. “We try to be reconciled before we go to sleep at night, and try to find everything we can think of that we like to do together. So we have a lot of good times.”

When he published his book “A Full Life” shortly before he was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, Carter contemplated his own mortality. He wrote that he was at peace with his accomplishments as president as well as his unrealized goals.

He said he and Rosalynn were “blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes.”

Atlanta mourns “Georgia’s only President”: Mayor remembers Carter’s legacy

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens released a statement remembering Jimmy Carter’s legacy as “Georgia’s only President.”

“I was born into a state led by Governor Carter. When I learned the Pledge of Allegiance at Miles Elementary School, a photo of President Carter hung on the wall. And for the last four decades, I have watched Jimmy Carter and his beloved Rosalynn be the very definition of servant leaders, representing the best that our state and our nation have to offer,” Dickens said.

He added, “My heart goes out to the entire Carter family here in Atlanta, across Georgia and our nation. I am so proud that President Carter’s legacy will continue to endure here in Atlanta through The Carter Center. As we mourn this loss, let us also tell our children the story of the boy from Plains who would be President.”

CNN’s Devon Sayers contributed to this report.

White House  notified that former President Jimmy Carter has died, official says

The White House has been notified that former President Jimmy Carter has died, according to a White House official.

Preparations for the state funeral have begun, according to a law enforcement official.

 

A look back at Jimmy Carter’s life and presidency

Jimmy Carter was widely revered for championing human rights during and after his presidency. He served one term as governor of Georgia and president of the United States from 1977 to 1981.

Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002

Former President Jimmy Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize for his worldwide peace and human rights work in 2002.

Carter won praise throughout his life for his tireless efforts, both as a president and after leaving office, in trying to bring peace to places from Haiti to North Korea.

In 2002, the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Carter’s decades of “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”

Carter told CNN he was called by the committee at 4:30 a.m. ET, about 30 minutes before he normally got up. He said he did not mind getting the early wake-up call.

“Obviously, I’m very grateful to the Nobel Committee for choosing me. I think they’ve announced very clearly that the work of the Carter Center has been a wonderful contribution to the world for the last 20 years,” he said.

He was repeatedly nominated for the prize, worth $1 million, and came close to winning in 1978, when he brought Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat together to sign the Camp David peace accord, but his presidency faltered under the weight of the Iran hostage crisis.

At the time, Carter told a news conference that he would give most of the $1 million prize to the Carter Center, which he founded after losing his 1980 re-election bid to Ronald Reagan. He said he shared the honor with his wife, Rosalynn, and the staff at the Carter Center.

“When I left the White House I was a fairly young man and I realized I maybe have 25 more years of active life,” Carter said, “so we capitalized on the influence that I had as a former president of the greatest nation in the world and decided to fill vacuums.”

Carter traveled around the globe monitoring elections, promoting human rights, and helping provide health care and food to the world’s poor.

How crises at home and abroad affected Carter’s presidency

In 1979, former President Jimmy Carter did himself significant political damage in an extraordinary address to the nation on the energy crisis.

Carter listed criticisms of his presidency, painting a picture of a listless nation trapped in a moral and spiritual funk.

“It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our nation,” Carter said.

Ultimately, the speech came back to haunt Carter and made it easy for opponents, not least Ronald Reagan, to portray him as a pessimistic and uninspiring leader.

Still, in the late 1970s, it seemed conceivable that Carter’s command of foreign policy at the height of the Cold War would give him a fair shot at a second term.

But a swelling of revolutionary Islam – heralding a trend that would confound future presidents — conspired to sweep him out of the White House.

The Iran hostage crisis: In October 1979, the United States let the Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi — who had been overthrown by the Iranian Revolution a few months earlier — enter the country for medical treatment. That infuriated Islamic revolutionaries who saw him as an oppressive US puppet and wanted him returned to Iran for trial.

On November 4, a year before the US election, students who supported the Islamic revolution seized the US Embassy in Tehran and took 66 Americans hostage.

The 444-day standoff transfixed the nation, souring the national mood day by day as television news bulletins tallied how long the hostages had been in custody. Gradually it dashed Carter’s hopes of a second term.

His fortunes were also battered by a daring and ultimately disastrous rescue bid in which a US helicopter carrying special forces crashed in the desert, killing eight US servicemen.

At the same time, the Cold War was approaching a pivotal point.

After the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in December 1979, Carter decided to boycott the Summer Olympics in Moscow and asked the Senate to delay ratification of SALT II.

As November 1980 approached, a sense of Soviet belligerence and the lengthening humiliation of the hostage crisis fostered an impression of US power under siege.

“It was a perfect storm of unpleasant events, and that inability of Carter to get those Iranian hostages released before the 1980 elections spelled doomsday,” said Brinkley.

Carter wrote in his memoirs that his destiny was out of his hands as the election approached, but prayed the hostages would be released.

“Now, my political future might well be determined by irrational people on the other side of the world over whom I had no control,” he said.

“If the hostages were released, I was convinced my election would be assured; if the expectations of the American people were dashed again, there was little chance I could win.”

Throughout the campaign, Reagan berated Carter as an ineffectual leader consigning America to perpetual decline.

“A recession is when your neighbor loses his job. A depression is when you lose yours. And recovery is when Jimmy Carter loses his,” Reagan charged.

The actor-turned-California governor pulled off a stunning landslide on Election Day 1980, winning 489 electoral votes.

In the final humiliation for Carter, on January 20, 1981, 20 minutes after Reagan was sworn in, Iran released the hostages.

Source: CNN

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