James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr, a naval officer, Nobel Peace Prize winner and peanut farm operator who became governor of Georgia and later the 39th president of the United States, has died aged 100.
Carter, who was the longest-living former American president, died at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday, December 29, according to his son.
He served as president for one term from 1977 to 1981, but is just as well-known for his humanitarian service after leaving Washington, DC, working for Habitat for Humanity and negotiating peace deals.
He continued his volunteer work for decades after leaving office until he entered hospice care in February 2023.
Carter, who throughout his political life went by Jimmy rather than James, was a towering figure in Democratic politics, both during and after his time in the White House.
As president, he emphasized human rights in his foreign policy, championed environmentalism at a time when it was not yet popular and appointed record numbers of women and people of color during his administration.
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We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced.
Jimmy Carter writing in ‘Why Not the Best?’ (1975)
Oliver O’Connell29 December 2024 23:10
Vance says Carter ‘dedicated his life to serving this country’
Vice President-elect JD Vance has paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, saying that he “dedicated his life to serving this country”. He also reposted Donald Trump’s tribute.
Oliver O’Connell29 December 2024 23:05
Washington pays tribute to Jimmy Carter after his death aged 100
Washington joined in mourning on Sunday after news of former President Jimmy Carter’s death was announced by Chip Carter, his son.
The nation’s 39th president was renowned for his commitment to public service in the years after his exit from political life, and earned a strong reputation for helping America’s neediest families in his post-presidential years. After news of his passing was reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, tributes began to swiftly pour in for the 100-year-old statesman.
John Bowden takes a look at the tributes.
Oliver O’Connell29 December 2024 23:00
Democratic whip hails ‘statesman and humanitarian’
House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark issued the following statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter:
“President Jimmy Carter was a statesman and humanitarian.
“As our country’s 39th President, he fought for the dignity of working families and the health of our planet – standing up for environmental justice and the universal right to clean air and water. Always a peacemaker, he was a force for democracy in all corners of the world.
“In the decades after he left office, he and First Lady Rosalynn Carter continued to serve the most vulnerable among us. Their work at the Carter Center, Habitat for Humanity, and many other organizations saved lives, advanced human rights, and promoted opportunity and stability for those in need.
“President Carter’s service of compassion and humility leaves a legacy that will be admired for generations to come. As we come together as a grateful nation to mourn and honor President Carter, my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Carter family.”
Oliver O’Connell29 December 2024 22:55
Obama hails Carter’s White House accomplishments and ‘most impactful’ post-presidency in US history
Former President Barack Obama wrote the following statement along with former first lady Michelle Obama, lauding former President Jimmy Carter for his White House accomplishments and “the longest, and most impactful, post-presidency in American history” as well as “something more fundamental: President Carter’s decency.”
“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.”
Oliver O’Connell29 December 2024 22:46
‘A pure and lasting example of a public servant’
“President Jimmy Carter gave us a pure and lasting example of a public servant. His life and legacy will forever be a lesson on the power in one person’s will to do good. I’m sending love to the Carter family today as we honor his life and untiring, humble mission to help others,” wrote Senator-elect Andy Kim of New Jersey.
Oliver O’Connell29 December 2024 22:37
Obituary — Jimmy Carter: The unlikely 39th president of the United States
Despite just one four-year and somewhat unorthodox term in office, Jimmy Carter brought much hope to the White House during a tenure that was marred by several major crisises.
As America’s 39th president, he emphasized human rights in his foreign policy, championed environmentalism at a time when it was not yet popular, and appointed record numbers of women and people of color during his administration, which lasted from 1977 to 1981.
Oliver O’Connell29 December 2024 22:30
French president remembers Carter as ‘steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable’
French President Emmanuel Macron sends heartfelt thoughts to the Carter family and American people.
Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people.
Oliver O’Connell29 December 2024 22:28
Watch: Carter’s 1976 campaign film, ‘Jimmy Who?’
Oliver O’Connell29 December 2024 22:24
Bush sends heartfelt condolences to Carter family
President George W. Bush released the following statement on the death of former President Jimmy Carter:
“Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family.
“James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.
“We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family.”
Oliver O’Connell29 December 2024 22:22
