Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and 2002 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, at age 100 in Plains, Georgia, becoming the longest-lived U.S. president. Survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalynn, and one grandchild. Carter’s life was dedicated to peace, human rights, and humanitarian service.
His son Chip honored his legacy, describing him as a hero who brought people together through shared values of peace and love. Carter’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life devoted to improving the world and its people.
Jimmy Carter is a prominent American politician who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He is known for his commitment to human rights, his efforts in promoting peace, and his post-presidential humanitarian work.
Here are some key aspects of his life and career:
Early Life and Career:
- Full Name: James Earl Carter Jr.
- Born: October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, USA.
- Education: Carter graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946 and served in the U.S. Navy before returning to his family’s peanut farm in Georgia.
- Political Beginnings: He became involved in local politics and eventually served as a Georgia State Senator and as the governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975.
Presidency (1977–1981):
- Domestic Policies:
- Carter focused on energy conservation and environmental issues, promoting alternative energy sources and creating the Department of Energy.
- He faced high inflation and unemployment rates during his term, which led to economic struggles.
- Carter’s administration created the Department of Education and worked on civil rights legislation.
- Foreign Policies:
- Camp David Accords (1978): Carter facilitated peace talks between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, resulting in the historic Camp David Accords, which laid the groundwork for the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty.
- Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981): The seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran and the taking of 52 American diplomats and citizens as hostages was a major crisis during Carter’s presidency. The hostages were released on January 20, 1981, the day Ronald Reagan was inaugurated.
- SALT II Treaty: Carter pursued nuclear arms control with the Soviet Union, leading to the SALT II agreement, though it was never ratified due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
- End of Presidency: Carter lost his re-election bid to Ronald Reagan in 1980, largely due to the economic troubles and the ongoing hostage crisis in Iran.
Post-Presidency:
- After leaving office, Carter became a highly respected figure for his humanitarian work. He founded the Carter Center in 1982, which focuses on global health, human rights, and the promotion of democracy.
- Nobel Peace Prize: In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in diplomacy and humanitarian causes, particularly for his work in conflict resolution, election monitoring, and public health.
- Carter has been involved in building homes for Habitat for Humanity, an organization dedicated to providing affordable housing.
Legacy:
Carter is often remembered as a deeply ethical and principled leader, though his presidency faced challenges, particularly with the economy and foreign policy. His post-presidential work has solidified his legacy as a champion of peace and human rights.
As of 2024, Carter is the longest-lived U.S. president, having surpassed George H. W. Bush’s record in 2019. He has continued to be active in public life, even into his late 90s, remaining a voice for peace and justice worldwide.
