Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, has died at the age of 100. The Carter Center announced that he passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on October 1, 1924, Carter became the first former U.S. president to celebrate a 100th birthday. A Democrat, he served as president from 1977 to 1981, a period defined by economic struggles and his dedication to human rights. Despite losing his re-election campaign to Ronald Reagan in 1980 and leaving office with low approval ratings, Carter’s post-presidency legacy reshaped how former leaders contribute to global society.
Carter’s extensive humanitarian efforts—spanning peacebuilding, health initiatives, and affordable housing advocacy—earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. A trailblazer in diplomacy, he became the first U.S. president to visit sub-Saharan Africa on a state visit when he traveled to Lagos, Nigeria, in 1978.
Carter is survived by four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, preceded him in death in November 2023.
Reflecting on his father’s life, Chip Carter said, “My father was 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.”
