Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has died at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy of peace, human rights, and public service.
The Carter Center, which was founded bythe former president and his wife Rosalynn, confirmed his passing in a statement.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter grew up to become a naval officer, politician, and humanitarian.
He graduated from the US Naval Academy and served in the navy before retiring to continue his father’s peanut business.
Carter’s entry into politics was marked by his election as Governor of Georgia in 1970, and he later launched a successful bid for the presidency in 1976, narrowly defeating incumbent President Gerald Ford.
During his presidency, Carter pursued a policy of warm relations with US foes and competitors, including the Soviet Union, and achieved several foreign policy successes, such as the Camp David Accords and the normalization of diplomatic relations with China.
Domestically, Carter championed environmental and renewable energy policies, and spearheaded deregulation in the transportation and telecommunication sectors of the economy.
However, his presidency was cut short after a devastating loss to Republican Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Despite leaving office in 1981, Carter’s impact on the world only grew. He established the Carter Center, which has promoted human rights, democracy, and global health, and has also been involved with Habitat for Humanity, building homes and shelters for thousands of disadvantaged people worldwide.
His contributions to peace earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, and he is widely regarded as the most impactful former American president in history.
Carter had been in hospice care since February 2023, following frequent hospital visits. The Carter Center will provide updates on activities and ceremonies to honor his legacy in the coming days.
As the world mourns the loss of this remarkable leader, his commitment to peace, justice, and human rights will continue to inspire generations to come.