Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100
ATLANTA: Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who ascended to the presidency in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured a humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and subsequently redefined post-presidential life as a global humanitarian, has died at the age of 100.
The longest-lived American president passed away on Sunday, approximately 22 months after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, according to The Carter Center.
“Our founder, former US President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the centre announced on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
As tributes poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, stating that the world had lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and that he had lost a dear friend. Biden highlighted Carter’s efforts to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, and house the homeless as exemplary.
“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,” Biden said in a statement.
Biden later spoke on Sunday evening about Carter, describing it as a “sad day” but one that “brings back an incredible amount of good memories.”
“I’ve been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years,” Biden remarked.
He recalled the former president being a source of comfort to him and his wife Jill when their son Beau died of cancer in 2015. The president noted how cancer was a common bond between their families, with Carter himself having battled the disease later in his life.
“Jimmy knew the ravages of the disease too well,” said Biden, who announced a state funeral for Carter in Washington.
Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, and citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that continues to challenge political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who have held the nation’s highest office. The 39th president combined his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith, and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s.
“My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said.
By RSS/AP
