Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a celebrated humanitarian, died today at 100. A man of unwavering integrity, Carter’s legacy will be remembered for his profound impact both in and outside the White House, marked by his commitment to peace, human rights, and public service.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter Jr. was a farmer’s son who grew up in the rural South. Carter’s path to politics began after he served in the U.S. Navy and returned to Georgia to manage the family’s peanut farm. His political career began in the Georgia State Senate in the 1960s. In 1970, he became the Governor of Georgia, focusing on progressive reform, including education, environmental protection, and racial integration.
In 1976, Carter made an ambitious run for the presidency as a political outsider. His campaign emphasized honesty and integrity in contrast to the scandals that had plagued the Nixon administration. Carter won the presidency in a narrow victory against incumbent Gerald Ford, becoming the first president from the Deep South since the Civil War.
His presidency, which spanned from 1977 to 1981, was marked by efforts to promote peace and diplomacy. One of his most significant accomplishments was brokering the Camp David Accords in 1978, a historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. His work on behalf of the Middle East earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Despite his successes on the international stage, Carter’s presidency faced challenges at home. Rising inflation, the energy crisis, and the Iran hostage crisis (which lasted for 444 days) contributed to his loss in the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan.
However, Carter’s legacy continued to flourish after his time in office. He spent much of his post-presidency decades working through the Carter Center, which he founded in 1982, to promote global health initiatives, combat disease, and mediate international conflicts. His work with Habitat for Humanity, an organization dedicated to building affordable housing, further solidified his status as one of America’s most respected and beloved former presidents.
Known for his humility, kindness, and commitment to serving others, Carter became a global symbol of selflessness. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting human rights, ending diseases, and advancing peace. Even after his 95th birthday, Carter remained active, giving speeches, writing books, and contributing to global peace efforts.
Jimmy Carter’s wife, Rosalynn Carter, whom he married in 1946, died at 96. They had four children: Jack, James III, Donnel, and Amy. Together, the Carters were one of the longest-married couples in presidential history, celebrating their 77th wedding anniversary in 2023.
As we remember Jimmy Carter, we honor a man whose presidency, life of service, and indomitable spirit transcended political lines, leaving a lasting impact on the United States and the world. His legacy is not just that of a president but of a champion of peace, health, and human dignity.
The former US President Jimmy Carter was the longest-living president of the United States
