Former US President Jimmy Carter Passes Away at 100

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100.

His death occurred at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he had been receiving hospice care for nearly two years due to health complications, including melanoma that had metastasized to his liver and brain.

Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981, a term marked by significant challenges such as economic difficulties and the Iran hostage crisis. However, he is also celebrated for his role in the Camp David Accords, which helped establish peace between Israel and Egypt.

Following his presidency, Carter became renowned for his humanitarian efforts and advocacy work through the Carter Center, which he founded in 1982. His post-presidential life was characterized by a commitment to global peace and human rights, earning him widespread respect and recognition.

Tributes have poured in from various leaders and former presidents, including Joe Biden, who called Carter “a man of principle, faith, and humility,” and Donald Trump, who expressed gratitude for Carter’s contributions to American life.

The White House has declared January 9 as a national day of mourning in honour of Carter’s legacy.

Carter is survived by his four children, eleven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, passed away just weeks before him on November 19, 2023.

As reported, memorial services are planned in Atlanta and Washington D.C., culminating in a private burial in Plains.

Nobel Committee Honors Carter’s Legacy of Peace Efforts

The Nobel Prize committee rarely comments on the passing of laureates. However, the Nobel Peace Prize committee has issued a statement on Jimmy Carter’s death, lauding his “decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advance democracy and human rights, and promote economic and social development.”

The statement, shared with Reuters, also noted the committee’s congratulations to Carter on his 100th birthday earlier this year, emphasizing that “his work in favour of peace, democracy, and human rights will be remembered for another 100 years or more.”

Global Leaders Honor Carter’s Legacy of Peace and Compassion

World leaders have shared heartfelt tributes to Jimmy Carter, recognizing his lifelong dedication to peace and humanity:

• Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi: “His pivotal role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in history, while his humanitarian work embodies love, peace, and brotherhood.”
• Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: Carter’s legacy is “one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work,” noting his lifelong service and thoughtful, generous advice.
• Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino: Carter’s presidency was “crucial” in negotiating the 1977 treaty that transferred the Panama Canal, securing Panama’s sovereignty.
• Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro: He hailed Carter as a “man of proven commitment to peace and dialogue,” whose contributions left an indelible mark on global politics.
• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: “Jimmy Carter’s legacy is best measured in lives changed, saved, and uplifted, beyond his presidency and Nobel Peace Prize.”
• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: “The world has lost a great mediator for peace in the Middle East and for human rights,” he wrote on X.
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: Carter was “motivated by his strong faith and values” and “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.”
• UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres: Praised Carter’s leadership for “contributing significantly to international peace and security” and continuing his dedication to peace long after leaving office.
• French President Emmanuel Macron: Described Carter as a “steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable,” who “tirelessly fought for peace.”
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: Remembered Carter as “a leader who served when Ukraine was not yet independent, yet his heart stood firmly with us in our ongoing fight for freedom.”