Former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away on Sunday evening at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
Carter was the longest-living president in American history. President Joe Biden has declared Jan. 9, 2025, a National Day of Mourning in Carter’s honor. His funeral will be held at the Washington National Cathedral on that day. Details are being released by The Carter Center.
Born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s early life as a peanut farmer and naval officer shaped his commitment to public service. He served as governor of Georgia before ascending to the presidency in 1977. His administration was marked by the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel and a steadfast dedication to human rights.
However, Carter’s term in office was marred by rampant inflation and his administration’s inability to revive the economy in the late 1970s. Also under his administration, dozens of Americans were held captive for 444 days at an embassy in Iran. In April 1980, Carter ordered a rescue attempt by US Special Forces, but it failed resulting in the deaths of eight American servicemen due to faulty equipment. The hostage crisis, combined with the poor economy, led to Republican Ronald Reagan’s landslide win over Carter’s re-election effort in November 1980. Reagan carried 44 states and got 489 electoral votes. Ultimately, Iran released the American hostages on Jan. 20, 1981, Reagan’s Inauguration Day.
After his presidency, Carter’s humanitarian efforts gained global recognition. In 1982, he and his wife, Rosalynn, established The Carter Center, an organization devoted to promoting peace, fighting disease, and advancing human rights. His relentless pursuit of these causes earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
In 2023, The Carter Center launched the North Carolina Democracy Resilience Network, part of a national effort to bolster public confidence in the election system. In North Carolina, the project was led by former Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts and former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr.
Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity, an organization headquartered in Americus, Georgia, near his hometown, led him to building projects across the United States, including in North Carolina, advocating for affordable housing and community development.
“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 in a press statement from The Carter Center. “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.”
Carter is survived by his children—Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy—along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalynn, and one grandchild.
“The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude,” said President-elect Donald Trump through Truth Social on Sunday.
Plans for memorial services include lying in repose at the Georgia State Capitol and The Carter Center for 36 hours, followed by a state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral.
The Carter Center said that the motorcade route and other details of the services will be forthcoming. In the meantime, they are asking for donations in lieu of flowers.