James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th President of the United States, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100 years old, marking the longest lifespan of any U.S. president.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and served in the Navy until 1953. After his military service, he returned to Georgia to manage his family’s peanut farming business. His political career began in the Georgia State Senate, followed by a term as the state’s governor from 1971 to 1975. In 1976, he won the Democratic presidential nomination and subsequently defeated incumbent President Gerald Ford, serving as the nation’s 39th president from 1977 to 1981.
Carter’s presidency was marked by significant achievements, including the Camp David Accords, which led to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, and the Panama Canal Treaties, which transferred control of the canal to Panama. He also established the Departments of Energy and Education and was a strong advocate for human rights. However, his term faced challenges such as the Iran hostage crisis and economic difficulties, which contributed to his loss to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election.
After leaving office, Carter dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts. In 1982, he founded The Carter Center, an organization committed to promoting human rights, democracy, and disease prevention worldwide. His work in international conflict resolution and health initiatives earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Carter was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalynn, in 2023. He is survived by his four children—Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy—along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Tributes have poured in from around the world. President Joe Biden described Carter as “a remarkable leader,” while former President Barack Obama praised his “life of service and justice.” International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, also honored his legacy.
