Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died.
At the age of 100, Jimmy Carter, the 39th president known for his post-presidential humanitarian work, passed away in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, USA Today reported.
Jimmy Carter's death represents the close of a century of significant influence on both national and global stages. Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, he returned to his roots passing away in the same small town, surrounded by the values he cherished.
Leading the nation from 1977 to 1981, Carter tackled numerous crises, including high inflation and energy shortages, as well as the prolonged Iranian hostage crisis. Despite these hurdles, his tenure saw notable diplomatic achievements, such as the Camp David Accords, valuable advancements in human rights, and the establishing of formal relations with China.
Carter's commitment extended beyond his presidential term, evidenced by his founding of the Carter Center, an organization dedicated to advancing human rights and alleviating human suffering across the globe. The Center has played a critical role in monitoring elections, reducing disease, and promoting mental health.
The global community recognized the former president's achievements in 2002 by awarding him the Nobel Peace Prize. Carter's vision and actions toward peace and health initiatives have profoundly impacted international humanitarian efforts.
While his presidency faced mixed reviews, Carter's post-presidential era was notably impactful. Historian Douglas Brinkley remarked on Carter’s broader significance to the American ethos, speaking to his lasting influence on national and global policies focused on equity and justice.
Carter often quipped about his greater effectiveness post-presidency, humorously noting in 2005 that he managed to achieve more following his tenure in the Oval Office.
Throughout his later years, even after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2015 and enduring multiple surgeries due to falls, Carter's resolve never wavered. He remained politically active and committed to his humanitarian work, demonstrating resilience and dedication to public service.
Chip Carter, his son, honored him by saying, "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love." This sentiment captures the essence of Carter's lifelong dedication to improving lives globally.
Here is what Jimmy Carter expressed regarding his mortality:
I didn't ask God to let me live, but I just asked God to give me a proper attitude toward death. And I found that I was absolutely and completely at ease with death.
Last year, Carter made headlines with his decision to enter hospice care, focusing on comfort rather than continued medical intervention, a decision his grandson Jason Carter highlighted as emblematic of the family's grounding in love and peace.
Stuart Eizenstat, a former advisor, emphasized that despite the overshadowing elements of his presidency, Carter should be regarded as a significantly impactful modern president. The legacy Carter leaves behind is rich, containing a relentless dedication to democracy, human rights, and peace, attributes he hoped to be remembered for alongside his role as a loving grandfather.
Rosalynn Carter, his wife of many years who had died just over a year earlier, was a constant partner in both life and advocacy, further symbolizing their joint commitment to public service.
Jimmy Carter's life journey from a humble small-town upbringing to the highest office in the U.S., and subsequently as a formidable force in global humanitarian efforts, underlines a legacy that transcends his time as president. His unwavering commitment to bettering the world remains a cornerstone of his monumental legacy, inspiring future leaders to uphold the values of peace and human dignity.
