Jimmy Carter Dies at 100: Nobel Laureate and Former U.S. President Leaves Lasting Global Impact

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, has died at the age of 100. His family confirmed on Sunday that he passed away quietly in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, surrounded by loved ones. Carter was renowned for championing human rights, steering high-stakes peace talks in the Middle East, and dedicating his post-presidential years to global health and social justice.

Raised on a peanut farm in rural Georgia, Carter initially defied political expectations as he ascended from state governor to the White House. When he took office in 1977, some saw him as a breath of fresh air after the scandals of Watergate. Others, however, found his tenure weighed down by domestic economic problems. His single term ended in 1981, just as Ronald Reagan swept into power.

Despite these challenges, Carter orchestrated landmark foreign-policy achievements. He oversaw the Camp David Accords, forging peace between Egypt and Israel at a time of enormous tension in the region. He also supported the Panama Canal Treaty, established formal diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China, and helped shape the SALT II arms treaty with the Soviet Union. On top of that, he confronted the Iran hostage crisis—a 444-day ordeal that eventually concluded the same day his successor took office.

In later years, Carter devoted himself to conflict resolution, disease eradication, and supporting democracy around the world through the Carter Center, which he and his wife Rosalynn founded in 1982. This hands-on activism earned him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing both his White House-era work and his relentless humanitarian efforts afterward.

Carter had spent the past several months in hospice care, choosing to spend his final days at home with his family’s support. Just over a year ago, Rosalynn Carter, his wife of 77 years, also passed away, leaving behind a legacy as a champion of mental health and caregiving. Their lifelong partnership, marked by personal faith and service, made them a rare fixture in American public life—one that will be remembered for generations.

His children and grandchildren have expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of respect and sympathy. Chip Carter, his son, described him as “a hero” whose ideals of peace and love resonated far beyond family walls. Even as the tributes roll in, many who admired the former president reflect on how his unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles forged a path for kinder and more empathetic public service.

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