Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and its oldest former leader, has died at the age of 100. Carter died Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia, a statement from the nonprofit Carter Center said. Established after he left the White House.
Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981, faced significant challenges during his presidency, including the Iran hostage crisis and the country’s economic struggles. Despite serving a single term, he received widespread recognition for his post-presidential humanitarian work, including winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to fight disease and promote democracy around the world.
US President Joe Biden called Carter an “extraordinary leader, diplomat and humanitarian” and said he had ordered a state funeral to honor Carter’s legacy. Biden praised Carter’s work for “eradicating disease, making peace, advancing civil rights, and at least always being among us.”
Global leaders also mourned Carter’s death. French President Emmanuel Macron praised his tireless advocacy for vulnerable populations and peace, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted Carter’s commitment to social justice at home and abroad.
Although Carter’s presidency was marked by Cold War tensions and the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, his role in negotiating the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel remains a defining achievement. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi praised Carter’s key contribution to the peace deal, which remains a cornerstone of Middle East diplomacy.
Carter’s legacy extends beyond politics. He remained active in charitable causes, including Habitat for Humanity, until his final years. His devotion to human rights, his candid views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his commitment to global peace earned him respect across political and international lines.
Carter’s wife Rosalyn died in November 2023, just shy of their 77th wedding anniversary.
