Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has passed away. He died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, making him the longest-lived U.S. president in history, who funeral was held at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, 2025, and was attended by numerous dignitaries, including President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.
He is known for his emphasis on human rights, environmental issues, and peace efforts during his presidency. Before becoming president, Carter was the Governor of Georgia. After his presidency, Carter continued his activism, particularly through the Carter Center, which focuses on global health, democracy promotion, and conflict resolution. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts in advancing human rights and peace.
Jimmy Carter has faced health challenges in recent years. In 2015, he was diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, which spread to his brain. However, after treatment, he was declared cancer-free in 2015. In recent years, his health has been a concern due to his age (he is in his late 90s), and he has faced hospitalizations for various conditions, including a fall that resulted in a hip fracture and a brief stay in the hospital for a brain surgery in 2019.
In 2023, he announced that he would begin receiving hospice care, meaning he chose to focus on comfort care rather than pursuing further medical treatment for his health issues. Despite his health struggles, Carter has remained active in his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts, continuing to inspire many with his resilience and dedication to global causes.
During his term as president from 1977 to 1981, Carter’s leadership was characterized by a focus on human rights, environmental protection, and peace-building. His administration brokered the historic Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize years later. However, his presidency was also defined by significant challenges, such as the Iran Hostage Crisis and an economic recession, which led to his defeat in the 1980 election.
Yet, rather than retreating into obscurity, Carter’s post-presidential years have been a testament to his dedication to humanitarian efforts. Alongside his wife, Rosalynn, he founded the Carter Center in 1982, an organization focused on advancing human rights, alleviating poverty, and promoting democracy worldwide. The center’s work in combating diseases like Guinea worm disease and malaria, along with its efforts in election monitoring, has earned the Carters global respect and admiration.
In 2002, Carter’s continued efforts to promote peace and global health earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, making him one of the few U.S. presidents to receive such an honor after leaving office. His acceptance speech focused not on his own accomplishments but on the importance of addressing poverty, inequality, and the need for a more peaceful world. This humility has been a defining trait of Carter’s character, a man who never sought glory but rather worked tirelessly to make the world a better place.
As the years have gone by, Carter’s health has become a source of concern for many. In 2015, he was diagnosed with melanoma, which had spread to his brain. After undergoing successful treatment, he was declared cancer-free, though his health has continued to decline. In 2023, Carter chose to enter hospice care, opting for comfort care rather than further medical treatment. This decision has only deepened the admiration and respect the world has for him, as it reflects his desire to live out his final years with dignity, just as he has done throughout his life.
Carter’s health struggles have not diminished his impact. He remains an iconic figure, revered not just for his time in office, but for the decades of work he has done after leaving the White House. His continuing efforts to promote peace and serve others, whether building homes with Habitat for Humanity or working on global health initiatives, serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for life after political office. His message of compassion and service transcends his political career, offering a model of leadership for future generations.
Now, as Jimmy Carter’s story nears its conclusion, one thing is clear: His legacy will be remembered not for his political achievements alone but for his unwavering commitment to humanity. His life speaks to the power of kindness, the importance of giving back, and the potential for every individual, regardless of their age, to make a difference. As the world watches this remarkable man in his final years, we are reminded of the true meaning of service, and of a life well-lived.
