Longest-Living U.S. President Jimmy Carter Dies at 100, Was Nobel Peace Prize-Winning Humanitarian

Carter was a farmer, a naval officer, and a politician before entering the White House

PLAINS, GEORGIA – Former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, has passed away at the age of 100, according to local media reports.

His death occurred on Sunday in Plains, Georgia, where he had spent much of his life. His passing follows the death of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, on November 19, 2023, who was 96 at the time.

Carter, known for his vision of a “competent and compassionate” government, became one of the most revered figures in U.S. politics. However, his presidency was marked by both achievements and challenges.

He entered hospice care in February 2023 after a battle with cancer, having survived for years after a liver cancer diagnosis in 2015. His family, including his grandson Jason Carter, had previously indicated that the former president was nearing the end of his journey, though he outlived many of those expectations.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter was a farmer, a naval officer, and a politician before entering the White House.

His early life on the family farm helped shape his values, instilling a deep connection to the land and a commitment to social justice. He married Rosalynn Smith in 1946, and together, they would become a powerful partnership throughout his life and career.

ABOVE VIDEO: (Aired in 2021) Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter is now 93, and former President Jimmy Carter is 96, making him the longest-living president in American history. This week, on July 7, marks their 75th wedding anniversary, another record among U.S. presidents. They sat down with Judy Woodruff in their hometown of Plains, Ga. to discuss their life together, their legacy and the current state of American politics.

Carter’s political ascent began in Georgia, where he was elected to the state Senate in 1962. He later served as governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975 before successfully campaigning for the presidency in 1976.

His victory over incumbent President Gerald Ford was primarily fueled by a desire for honesty and transparency following the Watergate scandal.

During his single term in office, Carter achieved significant diplomatic successes, most notably brokering the Camp David Accords, which brought peace between Egypt and Israel, and overseeing the signing of the Panama Canal treaties.

He also championed environmental conservation and energy efficiency. However, his presidency was marred by economic challenges, including high inflation and unemployment and the 444-day Iran hostage crisis, which ultimately tarnished his public image and contributed to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980.

Despite the setbacks during his presidency, Carter’s post-presidential life cemented his legacy as a global humanitarian and advocate for peace.

He founded The Carter Center in 1982, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing human rights and alleviating suffering. Carter also gained worldwide recognition for his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those in need.

Throughout his life, Carter remained deeply religious, a deacon in his local church, and enjoyed simple pleasures like fishing, woodworking, and running. He authored 28 books, and his global influence continued through his membership in The Elders, an international group of retired leaders working on peace and justice issues.

Carter is survived by his four children, 12 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. His passing marks the end of a remarkable life that spanned a century of American history, from the Great Depression to the present day.

As a man who dedicated his life to service and the pursuit of peace, Carter’s legacy will continue to influence generations to come.

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