Former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a global symbol of peace and humanitarian efforts, has passed away at the age of 100. The Carter Center announced his death on Sunday, stating that he died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family.
Carter, who entered hospice care in February 2023 following a series of hospital stays, leaves behind a towering legacy of public service and advocacy for human rights.
He is survived by his four children—Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy—along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Reflecting on his father’s life, Chip Carter said in a statement, “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. He united the world through these shared values, and we are grateful for the outpouring of love and support as we honor his memory.”
Public events celebrating Carter’s life and contributions will take place in Atlanta and Washington, DC, with a private burial to follow in his hometown of Plains. Details of the state funeral are still being finalized.
Carter’s 100 years were defined by dedication—to his family, his country, and the world. Born and raised in Plains, Georgia, Carter rose from modest beginnings to become the nation’s leader in 1977. His presidency was marked by efforts to promote peace, energy independence, and human rights, including brokering the historic Camp David Accords.
He and his wife, Rosalynn, shared a bond that became a hallmark of their lives. After meeting in 1945, they married in 1946 and remained partners in life and service for over 77 years, until Rosalynn’s death on November 19, 2023.
When asked about the secret to their enduring marriage, Carter reflected in a 2015 interview, “Rosalynn has been the foundation for my entire enjoyment of life. We always tried to reconcile before going to bed and found joy in the things we loved to do together.”
Carter’s contributions extended far beyond the White House. Through The Carter Center, he championed initiatives to combat diseases, strengthen democracies, and promote peace worldwide.
Tributes have poured in from around the globe, celebrating Carter’s compassion, humility, and dedication to justice. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens honored Carter as “Georgia’s only president” and a shining example of servant leadership.
“I was born into a state led by Governor Carter. For decades, I have watched Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn embody the best of Georgia and America,” Dickens said. “Let us tell our children the story of the boy from Plains who became president and continued to serve humanity with unwavering love and conviction.”
As the nation mourns, the White House has been notified of Carter’s passing, and preparations for a state funeral are underway.
Even in his later years, Carter reflected on his life with gratitude. In his 2015 book A Full Life, he wrote, “We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes.”
Jimmy Carter’s life was a testament to the power of humility, perseverance, and hope—a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
