President Jimmy Carter, the only Georgian to ever serve as president, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, after more than a year of hospice care. He was 100 years old, making him the longest-lived president in American history. The Carter Center announced his death, stating he passed peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. His son, Chip Carter, released a statement saying, “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 Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private burial in Plains.
President Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96, were beloved residents of Plains, their hometown in southwest Georgia. Their 77-year marriage spanned Carter’s remarkable career, from peanut farmer to president, and his extensive post-presidency work as a diplomat, humanitarian, and volunteer.
His dedication to service and his deep faith, family, and patriotism earned him widespread praise from Georgia’s political leaders. Governor Brian Kemp lauded Carter’s service to both the state and nation, his humanitarian efforts, and his love for Rosalynn. Senator Raphael Warnock called Carter a hero and friend, stating that he moved the country “closer toward our highest ideals.” Senator Jon Ossoff highlighted Carter’s commitment to democracy, human rights, philanthropy, and family.
As president, Carter brokered the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, established diplomatic relations with China, and created the Departments of Energy and Education, among other significant achievements. Despite these accomplishments, he served only one term, losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980.
However, his post-presidency work significantly boosted his popularity. He became a prominent figure with Habitat for Humanity, even participating in building projects after suffering injuries. His Atlanta-based Carter Center tackled global crises and conflicts. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his tireless work promoting peace, democracy, human rights, and economic development. A prolific author, he was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his memoir and a three-time Grammy winner for his audiobooks.
After leaving the White House, the Carters returned to their modest Plains home, purchased in 1961. Carter famously taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church for four decades until 2020. On February 18, 2023, the Carter Center announced that he had entered hospice care. This announcement led to an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum in Georgia.
Even in his later years, Carter maintained political influence, particularly in Georgia, endorsing candidates such as Vice President Kamala Harris. He also supported other prominent Democrats including Senator Raphael Warnock and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, and hosted President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at their home in 2021.
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