Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. According to a statement released by the Carter Center, he died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. Carter’s death marks the end of an extraordinary life, one that included groundbreaking contributions to American politics and global humanitarian efforts.
Carter’s presidency, which lasted from 1977 to 1981, was marked by major challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis, the energy crisis, and economic difficulties. Despite facing these obstacles, Carter’s commitment to human rights and global peace set him apart. His efforts in brokering peace between Egypt and Israel, known as the Camp David Accords, are still celebrated as one of his most significant achievements in office.
After leaving the White House, Carter continued to influence the world with his commitment to peace, diplomacy, and human rights. He founded the Carter Center in 1982, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting global peace, advancing human rights, and improving public health worldwide. The Center’s work on eradicating diseases such as Guinea worm disease has been groundbreaking, and Carter’s personal involvement in these efforts earned him global recognition.
In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of work in advancing peace and human rights, a testament to his tireless dedication to making the world a better place. His post-presidency years were also marked by his involvement with Habitat for Humanity, where he worked alongside volunteers to build homes for people in need. His humble approach to service continued to endear him to millions, and his legacy of kindness, empathy, and dedication to service will be remembered for generations to come.
Tributes have poured in from leaders around the world, highlighting Carter’s profound impact. U.S, as reported by the BBC. President Joe Biden described him as a man of character, courage, and compassion, recognizing his lifetime of service. Former President Barack Obama praised Carter’s commitment to justice and service and noted his enduring influence on global peace and human rights. President-elect Donald Trump acknowledged Carter’s contributions during a pivotal time in American history, while former President George W. Bush commended Carter’s continuous service post-presidency.
Carter’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in American history. He is survived by his four children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Public memorial services are expected to be held in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., with a state funeral to honor his contributions to the nation and the world. His influence as a statesman and humanitarian will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
U.S. President Joe Biden has declared January 9 a national day of mourning across the country in honor of Carter, according to a statement from the White House reported by Reuters. “I urge the American people to gather in their local places of worship on that day to pay tribute to the memory of President James Earl Carter,” Biden said.
