Jimmy Carter, longest-lived US president, dies at 100 after years of health struggles and hospice care

PLAINS, GEORGIA: Jimmy Carter, the Georgia peanut farmer who served as the 39th President of the United States during a period marked by gas shortages, Cold War tensions, and the Iran hostage crisis, died on Sunday, December 29, at the age of 100.

Carter, the longest-living president in US history, died in Plains, Georgia—the town of his birth—after nearly two years in hospice care.

Carter Center confirms Jimmy Carter's death

Jimmy Carter outlived his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, by just over a year. She died at the age of 96 in November 2023.

The former president is survived by his four children—Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy—along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Rosalynn and one grandchild.

The Carter Center confirmed his death on Sunday with a brief statement: “Our founder, former US President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia.”

Carter's inauguration took place on January 20, 1977, after he defeated Republican Gerald Ford, whose campaign struggled due to the political fallout from his decision to pardon President Richard Nixon following the Watergate scandal.

Carter served just one challenging term before being defeated by Ronald Reagan, but during his presidency, he achieved significant successes, including the historic Camp David peace accords, which saw Israel and Egypt formally recognize each other's governments.

He once said, “Human rights is the soul of our foreign policy, because human rights is the very soul of our sense of nationhood.”

Jimmy Carter faced numerous health challenges in his later years

Jimmy Carter faced a series of health challenges in his later years, demonstrating remarkable resilience throughout. In August 2015, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing surgery to remove a liver mass.

Further tests uncovered melanoma in his brain, but Carter remained calm, stating he was “perfectly at ease with whatever comes” and had led “a wonderful life". Miraculously, later examinations revealed that the brain lesions had disappeared.

Despite these health issues, Carter continued to stay active. In 2019, he was hospitalized twice after falls that resulted in a fractured pelvis and required stitches. However, he remained mentally sharp and marked his 98th birthday by attending a parade in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

In 2023, Carter decided to receive hospice care at home after a series of hospitalizations. The decision followed Rosalynn's dementia diagnosis, and she too joined him in hospice care before passing away in November 2023.

In the months leading up to his death, Carter was seen in a wheelchair during public events, including memorial services for his wife.

Despite his frail condition, he continued to show his commitment to public life, casting a mail-in ballot for the 2024 presidential election at the age of 100, expressing his desire to live long enough to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.

How Jimmy Carter’s early life and career shaped his remarkable legacy

James Earl Carter Jr was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, the son of a grocer and a registered nurse. A studious and hardworking child, he began working at his father’s store at the age of 10.

Carter attended the US Naval Academy, graduating in 1946, the same year he married Rosalynn Smith. Together, they had four children.

The former president’s political career began with his election to the Georgia Senate in 1962, and he went on to serve as the governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975.

As president, he focused on human rights and global peace, securing major achievements like the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. However, his presidency was marked by international crises, including the Iran hostage crisis and the economic challenges of stagflation.

After leaving office, Carter dedicated himself to humanitarian work, notably through Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Presidential Center.

His efforts in peacebuilding and human rights earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter's legacy is remembered for his post-presidential contributions, making him one of the most impactful former presidents in US history, New York Post reports.

Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama lead in paying tribute to Jimmy Carter

Following the announcement of Jimmy Carter's death, tributes flooded social media from leaders around the world. Prominent figures such as President Joe Biden, Donald Trump, the Clintons, former president Barack Obama, and many others honored Carter’s legacy of promoting peace, democracy, and social justice.

President Biden posted on platform X, "Over six decades, Jill and I had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well."

President-elect Donald Trump wrote in a statement posted on Truth Social, "I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History."

He added, "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude."

He concluded, "Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers."

Former president Bill Clinton and wife, former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton released an official statement, “Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end."

"President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man," wrote former president Barack Obama.

Former vice president Al Gore wrote, "Jimmy Carter lived a life full of purpose, humility, and kindness. He had an unyielding commitment to building a more peaceful, safer, and more just world and a cleaner environment. He is also remembered around the world for the work he did over the 42 years after he left office."

He added, "In everything he did, he led with heart, faith in God, and courage. I am grateful for the many years of his leadership and friendship. I extend my thoughts and prayers to his children, grandchildren, and all of the people whose lives he touched around the world who are grieving his loss. May he be at peace with his beloved Rosalynn."

Vice President Kamala Harris wrote, "Our world is a better place because of President Carter. His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come."

The complete details of President Carter’s state funeral, including public events and motorcade routes, are yet to be announced and will be provided by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region.

The Carter family requests that, instead of sending flowers, donations be made to The Carter Center, located at 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE, Atlanta, Ga 30307.