Jimmy Carter, the former peanut farmer from Georgia who rose to become the 39th President of the United States, has died at 100 years old. His passing was confirmed by his son, though the cause of death was not disclosed. Carter, the longest-living former president, had been in hospice care since early 2024 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Born James Earle Carter, Jr. on October 1, 1924, Carter’s life began in rural Georgia, where he grew up on a farm without modern conveniences. His roots were humble, and his straightforward demeanor would later become a hallmark of his political identity. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Carter served in the Navy before returning to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, to manage the family farm after his father’s death.
Carter’s political career began with local engagements, including a school board position and a term in the Georgia state senate. Despite an early defeat in his first gubernatorial run in 1966, Carter made a successful bid in 1970, where he pushed forward reforms to modernize state government and promoted the vision of a “New South.” His outsider status and calls for integrity and accountability in public office positioned him as a contender for the presidency during the post-Watergate era.
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) December 29, 2024
In 1976, Carter captured the Democratic presidential nomination and went on to defeat incumbent Gerald Ford. His presidency was marked by significant challenges, including economic struggles, an energy crisis, and the Iranian hostage crisis, where 52 Americans were held for 444 days. These issues dominated public perception, overshadowing achievements such as the Camp David Accords, which brokered peace between Israel and Egypt, and environmental preservation efforts that brought vast tracts of land under federal protection.
Although Carter’s single term ended with a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan in 1980, his reputation as a principled and religiously devout leader endured. Gallup polling revealed that, even during difficult times, Carter maintained a 70% approval rating, reflecting Americans’ respect for his honesty, even as they grew dissatisfied with his administration’s performance.
In his post-presidency, Carter transformed into a global humanitarian figure, dedicating decades to causes such as affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity and election monitoring around the world. He authored over 30 books, many of which chronicled his life and faith journey, and continued to teach Sunday School in Plains, Georgia.
