Former President Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States, has passed away at the age of 100. His son confirmed his death, but did not immediately provide a cause. Carter, a Navy veteran and the oldest living former president, had been battling cancer since 2021 and recently moved to hospice care.
Born on October 1, 1924, Carter was the first U.S. president born in a hospital. His humble beginnings on a family farm without electricity or indoor plumbing shaped his folksy demeanor and political career. Carter served as governor of Georgia before being elected president in 1976, defeating Republican Gerald Ford.
During his presidency, Carter faced challenges such as runaway inflation, an energy crisis, and the Iranian hostage crisis, which lasted 444 days and ended the day Ronald Reagan was inaugurated in 1981. Despite these setbacks, Carter maintained a 70% approval rating throughout his presidency, reflecting Americans' positive view of his character.
After leaving office, Carter dedicated himself to charitable works and activism, including teaching Sunday School in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, and writing over 30 books about his life. He and his wife Rosalynn became known for their work with Habitat for Humanity, a charity that builds homes for the poor.
Carter's presidency is often remembered for its economic struggles and foreign policy challenges, but he is also credited with brokering peace between Israel and Egypt and expanding federal land protection. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting peace and humanitarian causes.
Jimmy Carter's legacy as a president, humanitarian, and advocate for peace will continue to be remembered and celebrated.