Former US President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, has passed away at the age of 100. He died in his home in Plains, Georgia, nearly two years after announcing he would spend his final days in hospice care. Carter’s decision to forgo further medical treatment followed a series of hospitalizations and health challenges.
Carter, a former peanut farmer, naval officer, and one-term president, devoted much of his life to humanitarian work. After his presidency, he became widely recognized for his efforts in global peace-building and public health advocacy, including the Carter Center’s initiatives to eradicate diseases like Guinea worm disease and river blindness.
In his final months, Carter lived in the company of his beloved wife, Rosalynn, who passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96. The couple had been married for 77 years. His 100th birthday in October was marked by a public celebration in Plains, where he made a final public appearance in a wheelchair. Surrounded by family, he also cast a symbolic vote for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Carter’s presidency, which spanned from 1977 to 1981, was marked by both significant challenges and achievements, including the Camp David Accords, the Iran hostage crisis, and the oil crisis. Though his presidency was marred by the Iranian hostage situation, Carter’s post-presidency years were defined by his dedication to philanthropy, including his work with Habitat for Humanity and his advocacy for human rights globally.
In February 2024, the Carter Center announced that Carter had chosen hospice care, following a series of short hospital stays. Carter’s passing leaves only five living U.S. presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and current President Joe Biden. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and philanthropists.
