Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, who ascended to the highest office in the land and later became a symbol of perseverance and service, passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday, bringing to a close the remarkable life of one of America’s most interesting and enigmatic presidents.
Carter, who holds the distinction of being the longest-living president in American history, died in his hometown of Plains, where he had spent the majority of his life. He was surrounded by family after nearly two years of hospice care. His beloved wife, Rosalynn, had preceded him in death just over a year earlier, passing away at the age of 96 in November 2023. Together, the Carters had been married for 77 years, a testament to their unwavering partnership in both personal and public life. The couple leaves behind four children—Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy—along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Chip Carter, the former president’s son, offered a poignant tribute to his father. “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” Chip said. “The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
The Carter Center confirmed his passing with a simple, heartfelt statement: “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia.” The message, understated as it was, was a fitting reflection of Carter’s humble nature and legacy.
In the final years of his life, Carter’s health had been in decline, and his family was candid about his condition. His grandson, Jason Carter, shared moments of reflection before the former president’s passing. Jason recalled one such exchange, where Jimmy Carter, despite his physical decline, managed a smile and a characteristic sense of humor when reflecting on his health. “I don’t know, myself,” Carter quipped when asked about how he was feeling. Despite his struggles, Carter remained connected to his family and the world around him, watching an Atlanta Braves game with his loved ones just before his passing.
Carter’s story is one of stark contrasts: an outsider who unexpectedly won the presidency, but whose time in office was marred by both international crises and domestic struggles. He came into power during a turbulent period in American history. His presidency, from 1977 to 1981, was marked by the Cold War, soaring gas prices, a faltering economy, and the tragic Iran hostage crisis. Despite these challenges, he would also earn recognition for a monumental achievement—the Camp David Accords, which brokered a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. For many, this remains one of the brightest chapters of his presidency.
However, Carter’s presidency was not without its flaws. The Iran hostage crisis, in which 52 American diplomats and citizens were held captive for 444 days, cast a long shadow over his time in office. In addition, the American economy suffered from what was called “stagflation”—a combination of high inflation, high unemployment, and stagnant economic growth. His presidency was also plagued by rising interest rates and energy shortages, issues that would contribute to his stunning defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Political analysts have long debated Carter’s legacy. Larry Sabato, head of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, once said of Carter: “Few people ever have such fantastic luck and such rotten luck in the span of just a few years. Carter came out of nowhere and satisfied the public’s desire for an outsider who couldn’t find his way around Washington without a map.” Carter’s improbable win in 1976, defeating Gerald Ford, remains one of the most stunning political victories in modern history.
Born on October 1, 1924, Carter grew up in Plains, Georgia, the son of a grocer and a nurse. From an early age, he showed an interest in public affairs, and he worked alongside his father in the family store. Carter’s love for politics and public service would eventually lead him to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1946 and went on to serve in the Navy’s nuclear submarine program.
It was during this time that Carter would first encounter Admiral Hyman Rickover, a man who would have a lasting impact on his life. “I think, second to my own father, Rickover had more effect on my life than any other man,” Carter later reflected. After leaving the Navy, Carter returned to Georgia to help run the family farm after his father’s death.
Carter’s first foray into politics came in 1962 when he ran for the Georgia Senate, winning despite his relatively progressive views on civil rights. However, it wasn’t until 1970, after a failed bid for governor in 1966, that he would earn national attention by winning the governorship of Georgia. As governor, Carter was viewed as a centrist reformer, streamlining the state’s bureaucracy and working to modernize its institutions.
Carter’s decision to run for the presidency in 1976 was shaped by a desire to restore honesty and integrity to the White House following the scandal of Watergate. “I’ll never tell a lie. I’ll never make a misleading statement. I’ll never betray the confidence that any of you had in me. And I’ll never avoid a controversial issue,” Carter promised during his campaign.
Despite his lofty ideals, Carter’s presidency was undermined by several international and domestic disasters. The 1979 Iranian Revolution, the subsequent hostage crisis, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan created a sense of international instability. At home, Carter’s administration struggled to address the challenges posed by high inflation, unemployment, and the energy crisis.
The so-called “malaise speech,” delivered by Carter in July 1979, marked a low point in his presidency. He spoke of a “crisis of confidence” that threatened the nation’s social and political fabric. What was intended as a call for national renewal instead became a symbol of an administration in crisis.
Carter’s image wasn’t helped by a few awkward public moments, such as his interview with *Playboy* magazine, where he candidly discussed his personal struggles with temptation. There was also the infamous “killer rabbit” incident, where Carter claimed to have fought off an aggressive swamp rabbit while fishing in a canoe.
Despite the setbacks, Carter’s post-presidency years would be far more productive and widely regarded as his greatest legacy. He dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts, including his work with Habitat for Humanity, which provided homes for the poor. His work promoting peace, democracy, and human rights through the Carter Presidential Center earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. As Sabato noted, “Just about everybody agrees Carter’s post-Presidency was the most productive in history.”
Carter’s final years were marked by a series of health challenges, including a battle with cancer. Yet he faced his diagnosis with characteristic grace and courage, continuing to work and write. His final book, *Faith: A Journey for All*, reflected his deep spirituality and its influence on his life and political career. His public appearances grew rarer, and in 2019, Carter fell and sustained a minor fracture in his pelvis. The decision to enter hospice care in February 2023 was made to ensure his final days were spent peacefully at home with his family.
In the end, Jimmy Carter will be remembered not just for his single term in the White House, but for his life of service, his dedication to peace, and his profound humility. He leaves behind a complex legacy: a president who faced many struggles but also worked tirelessly to make the world a better place, long after he left office.
The Carter family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Carter Center. Public memorials will be held in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., with Carter’s final resting place in Plains, Georgia, beside his beloved Rosalynn. As the nation reflects on Carter’s long life, it is clear that his story is one of resilience, service, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of peace and justice.
