Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the longest-living American president, passed away on Sunday at the age of 100, as confirmed by a statement from The Carter Center. His death occurred more than a year after he entered home hospice care in Plains, Georgia, following several hospital stays.
Carter, who was born in 1924, had expressed his desire to live long enough to vote in the 2024 presidential election. He met this goal, marking a milestone in his life of public service.
His passing follows the recent death of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died at the age of 96 in November. Carter attended her funeral despite his own failing health, highlighting the strong bond they shared over 77 years. Further underscoring his commitment to civic engagement, Carter had reportedly stated his desire to vote for Kamala Harris in the recent election.
News of Carter's health struggles elicited a wave of support and reflections from various political groups. This outpouring demonstrated the respect he garnered through his decades of advocacy and public service, which followed a challenging single term in office.
Carter gained recognition as a relatively unknown Georgia governor who leveraged an anti-establishment sentiment to secure the Democratic nomination in the 1976 election. He narrowly defeated President Gerald Ford amidst the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal.
Despite achieving successes in both domestic and foreign affairs, Carter's presidency was challenged by significant issues. These included double-digit inflation and a severe energy crisis that led to gasoline shortages and rationing. The 1979 Iran hostage crisis, where 52 Americans were held captive for 444 days, further eroded public support and significantly contributed to his electoral defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980.
However, Carter's post-presidency is widely regarded for its notable impact. With Rosalynn, he established The Carter Center in 1982, focusing on human rights and diplomacy. His efforts, including overseeing elections and mediating conflicts, earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Additionally, he dedicated himself to Habitat for Humanity, frequently joining Rosalynn in building homes.
The Carters remained engaged in volunteer and advocacy work well into their 80s and 90s. It was not until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that his public appearances became limited. He celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by loved ones in his hometown of Plains, where he was born and married his wife in 1946.
More to come...
