President Jimmy Carter, the only Georgian to serve as President of the United States, passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. He had spent over a year in hospice care. The announcement from the Carter Center confirmed that he was surrounded by his loving family in his final moments. His son, Chip Carter, released a statement expressing the family’s grief and celebrating his father’s enduring legacy: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. 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.”
Public memorial services are planned for both Atlanta and Washington, D.C., to be followed by a private burial in Plains. Details regarding the timing and specifics of these services are forthcoming. His passing comes less than a year after the death of his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96. The couple, deeply cherished residents of Plains, shared a remarkable 77-year marriage that spanned President Carter’s multifaceted career, from peanut farmer to the highest office in the land, and his subsequent impactful work as a diplomat, humanitarian, and tireless volunteer.
President Carter’s unwavering commitment to service and his devotion to faith, family, and country earned him widespread admiration. Georgia’s political leaders offered heartfelt tributes. Governor Brian Kemp lauded Carter’s dedication to both state and nation, highlighting his humanitarian efforts and the enduring love he shared with Rosalynn. “Their family continues to be in our prayers as President Carter is reunited with his beloved wife and the world mourns this native Georgian, former state and national leader, and proud peanut farmer from Plains,” Kemp stated.
Senator Raphael Warnock echoed the sentiments of many, calling Carter a hero and friend, emphasizing his impact on the nation’s pursuit of its highest ideals. “A former president, he got his hands dirty, literally building people’s homes while helping them build their lives. President Carter was a Matthew 25 Christian. He believed, as I do, that the true test of your faith is the depth of your commitment to the most marginalized members of the human family. I believe he passed that test and has now graduated into immortality. Democracies around the world are stronger and children across the globe are alive today because of President Carter’s work—what a legacy to leave,” Warnock remarked. Senator Jon Ossoff similarly praised Carter’s lasting contributions to democracy, human rights, philanthropy, and family.
President Carter’s presidential term, though only one, left a significant mark on American history. He brokered the Camp David Accords, established diplomatic relations with China, and oversaw the creation of the Departments of Energy and Education. While his presidency concluded with a loss to Ronald Reagan in 1980 amidst economic challenges and the Iran hostage crisis, his post-presidency became a testament to his enduring legacy of service. He became a prominent figure with Habitat for Humanity, continued his global humanitarian work through the Carter Center, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his tireless efforts toward peace and human rights. A prolific author, he was also a three-time Grammy winner for his audiobooks.
Even after leaving the White House, the Carters returned to their modest Plains home, a testament to their deep roots. President Carter’s dedication to his faith was evident in his four-decade-long tenure teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church, a tradition that became a part of Georgia’s political folklore. In February 2023, the Carter Center announced his decision to enter hospice care, sparking an outpouring of support and tributes from across the political spectrum. Despite battling brain cancer and various health challenges, he remained politically engaged, endorsing candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris, and hosting prominent political figures like the Bidens.
President Carter’s life serves as a powerful example of service, faith, and unwavering dedication to a better world. His impact will resonate for generations to come.
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