On December 29th, 2024, former President Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, who became Georgia’s 76th Governor and 39th President of the United States passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. He was 100 years old, making him the country’s longest-lived President. 

President Carter is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, preceded his death on November 19th, 2023 at the age of 96. Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter were married for 77 years, making Carter the longest-married President.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former President’s son. “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.”

Following Carter’s passing, current President of the United States, Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Bidne stated, “Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian…With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.”

In response to the country’s loss of Carter, the current Governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, stated, “[We] join all Georgians and the entire nation in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter. As the only American president thus far to come from Georgia, he showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country. And as a son of Plains, he always valued Georgians and the virtues of our state, choosing to return to his rural home after his time in public office.”

The Legacy of Jimmy Carter

Following Carter’s passing, the country stopped to reflect on his legacy. 

Jimmy Carter, born James Earl Carter, on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, was a man whose life was marked by service, compassion, and a commitment to helping others. He grew up in the small town of Plains, where he was raised on a farm and learned the values of hard work, honesty, and humility. After high school, Carter attended the United States Naval Academy and served as a submariner in the U.S. Navy. He later returned to Georgia to take over the family farm, where he became deeply involved in local politics and community service.

Carter’s political career began in 1963, when he was elected to the Georgia State Senate. He became governor of Georgia in 1971 and worked to improve education, health care, and racial equality. In 1976, he was elected the 39th president of the United States, and during his time in office, he worked on many important issues, including peace in the Middle East, human rights, and environmental protection. One of his greatest achievements as president was helping broker the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Even after leaving the White House, Carter’s dedication to service continued. He and his wife, Rosalynn, founded Habitat for Humanity, an organization that helps build affordable homes for people in need. The Carters also established The Carter Center, which works to promote global peace, health, and human rights. Carter became a tireless advocate for eradicating diseases like guinea worm disease, and he spent years traveling to remote parts of the world to provide medical care and education. In addition to his humanitarian work, Carter returned to farming and lived out his final years in Plains, where he continued to teach others the importance of helping others and living with kindness. Jimmy Carter's legacy is one of selfless service, showing the world that true leadership is about making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Stacey Abrams, a former Georgia State Representative and two-time candidate for Georgia’s Governor stated, “President Jimmy Carter lived a life of courage, fortitude, kindness and grace.”

The Carter Center announced that details about President Carter’s memorial services will be released in the coming days. President Biden also ordered an official state funeral for Carter.  

As the President and First Lady addressed the nation, “to all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.”