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The death of Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president at age 100 hit the world on Sunday, plunging the country and the rest of the world into sadness. The late politician and Democrat served as the POTUS from 1977 to 1981, a period in US history not devoid of economic crisis and foreign policy challenges. He also served as the Governor of Georgia leading up to his stint as president. Additionally, he served in the US Army between 1946 and 1961, achieving the rank of Lieutenant and participating in the Second World War. After a long, eventful life, the former POTUS passed away in December 2024 at 100, making him the longest-living ex-president.
The Carter Center, founded by Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn, announced his death on Sunday, December 29, confirming he died that afternoon in his home in Plains, Georgia. In a statement confirming his passing, the late president’s son described his father as a hero to him and everyone else “who believe in peace, human rights and unselfish love.” He also acknowledged his dad’s efforts in bringing people together and making the world “our family.”
Jimmy Carter’s Death and Legacy
While he left behind a legacy of love, peace, and diplomacy after his death, Jimmy Carter’s reign as the 39th US president attracted low approval ratings. He was most criticized for his handling of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, where Iranian revolutionaries held several Americans captive for 444 days after storming the U.S. embassy in Tehran. This followed the United States’ support for authoritarian ruler Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, fueling anger among Iranian citizens and ending in the deaths of 8 Americans.
He made some notable strides in office as well, championing the establishment of the Department of Energy in 1977, and brokering a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, signed at the United States’ Camp David in 1978. The accord still stands to date, a historic US foreign policy triumph. Post-presidency, Jimmy Carter channeled his efforts to humanitarian and environmental works.
Together, he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, founded The Carter Center, an initiative that has monitored international elections for decades while promoting public health globally. His diplomatic achievements and humanitarian efforts were celebrated in 2002 when he won the Nobel Prize for peace.
Jimmy Carter’s wife Rosalynn passed away in November 2023, at the age of 96. Their marriage lasted for 77 years, the longest recorded for a US president. Jimmy battled an undisclosed illness towards the end of his life, notably discontinuing medical treatment last year and turning to hospice care at his home. A former peanut farmer, the late president is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
The World Mourns the Passing of a Great Leader
Since his demise, several world leaders and high-profile figures have extended their condolences to his family, remembering his remarkable contributions to the country and the world at large in heartfelt tributes. In a statement, President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden described him as “an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian,” also calling him a dear friend. President-elect Donald Trump credited Jimmy with doing “everything in his power to improve the lives of Americans.” Former POTUS Barack Obama remembered Jimmy Carter for his advocacy for “public good,” and teaching what it meant to live a life of “grace, dignity, justice and service,” while embodying respect, integrity, and compassion.
Keir Starmer, British Prime minister lauded his “historic Camp David Accords” and lifelong dedication to peace and selfless public service. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, French President Emmanuel Macron, Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have all paid their last respects to the deceased 39th US President, highlighting his commitment to peace and humanity.
