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Jimmy Carter, the 100-year-old former U.S. president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, who rose from rural Georgia to the nation's highest office, died Sunday, according to The Carter Center.
Carter, who had been in hospice care since February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, The Carter Center said in a statement.
"My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love," his son, Chip Carter, said in the statement.
Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981, was the oldest living ex-U.S. president and the nation’s longest-lived leader, a milestone that seemed unlikely in 2015 when he revealed he had brain cancer.
The former Navy lieutenant, who once ran a peanut farm before entering politics, faced a presidency filled with challenges. His administration saw significant achievements, such as brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. However, it was marked by setbacks including the Iran hostage crisis and an oil shortage, which contributed to his loss to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election.
After leaving office, Carter redefined the post-presidency, becoming an advocate for human rights and global health through The Carter Center, which he founded in 1982. His tireless work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
(FILES) Former president Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter dance to the Marine Band in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington on November 9, 2000 for the 200th Anniversary White House Dinner. - Carter, the 100-year-old former US president and Nobel peace laureate who rose from humble beginnings in rural Georgia to lead the nation from 1977 to 1981, has died, his nonprofit foundation said on December 29, 2024. (Photo by SHAWN THEW / AFP)" alt="Former US President Jimmy Carter dies at 100">
(FILES) Former president Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter dance to the Marine Band in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington on November 9, 2000 for the 200th Anniversary White House Dinner. - Carter, the 100-year-old former US president and Nobel peace laureate who rose from humble beginnings in rural Georgia to lead the nation from 1977 to 1981, has died, his nonprofit foundation said on December 29, 2024. (Photo by SHAWN THEW / AFP)
Carter remained active long after leaving the White House, observing elections worldwide and mediating international conflicts from North Korea to Bosnia.
In recent years, Carter underwent various medical treatments, including brain cancer radiation in 2015. His health had been declining in recent months, leading to his entry into hospice care.
Carter's wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, died in November 2023 at age 96. He attended her memorial service in a wheelchair, appearing frail but present alongside his family.
Carter is survived by the couple’s four children: three sons and a daughter.
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