December 30, World (LNW): Jimmy Carter, the longest-living president in US history, has passed away at the age of 100.
The former president, who served from 1977 to 1981, died on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, the Carter Centre confirmed.
The organisation, which he founded in 1982, announced his death via a post on the social media platform X.
Details surrounding his passing have yet to be fully revealed, though Carter had been receiving hospice care for nearly two years following treatment for a form of skin cancer.
In October, he celebrated his remarkable centenary surrounded by family and loved ones.
Carter’s passing follows the death of his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, just over a month earlier, in November 2023. The couple had been married for 76 years.
Though his presidency was cut short after one term, Carter’s influence extended far beyond the White House. The former peanut farmer’s post-presidential work left an indelible mark on global humanitarian efforts.
Notably, in 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in combatting Guinea worm disease through the Carter Center’s extensive work in Africa, as well as his efforts to monitor elections across the world.
Carter’s legacy of public service continued throughout his life, with the former president remaining an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, where he helped build homes for those in need well into his late 90s.
His unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and his unassuming nature earned him widespread admiration, transcending political divides and making him a beloved figure amongst many.
US President Joe Biden paid tribute to Carter, calling him an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.” Biden highlighted Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, noting his efforts to improve global health, promote civil rights, and advocate for the most vulnerable. The president also announced that an official state funeral would be held in Carter’s honour.
In a similar vein, former presidents from both major political parties also expressed their admiration for Carter. Bill Clinton praised Carter’s tireless work for a better world, whilst Barack Obama spoke of Carter’s profound impact on all who witnessed his life of grace, dignity, and service. George W. Bush described Carter’s life as a source of inspiration for generations of Americans.
Global leaders also paid their respects. French President Emmanuel Macron praised Carter as a “steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable” and a tireless champion for peace. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Carter as someone who “redefined the post-presidency,” dedicating himself to social justice and human rights on a global scale.
Despite the challenges of his presidency, Carter’s diplomatic achievements remain a cornerstone of his legacy. Perhaps his most significant accomplishment was brokering the 1978 Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, a peace agreement that not only restored diplomatic ties between the two nations but also resulted in Israel returning the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi praised Carter’s pivotal role in the peace deal, emphasising its lasting significance in history.
Whilst Carter was often criticised for his handling of the Iran Hostage Crisis and other domestic issues, his foreign policy successes were significant, and his post-presidential advocacy on behalf of Palestinian rights remains a defining part of his legacy.
In 2006, he controversially published Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, which sparked widespread debate. Carter’s stance on Palestinian rights made him one of the few prominent US political figures to speak candidly about the issues surrounding Israel and Palestine, a position he maintained throughout his life.
Human Rights Watch, in a statement following his death, hailed Carter for setting a “powerful example for world leaders to make human rights a priority” and for his lifelong commitment to fighting for justice on the global stage.
Carter’s life was marked by a rare combination of humility, leadership, and service to humanity. His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to peace, human rights, and public service will continue to inspire future generations.
