Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States, dies at 100

PLAINS, Ga. - Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States who was known for his enduring commitment to philanthropy and humanitarian work, died on Dec. 29, 2024, just short of two years in at-home hospice care. He was 100 years old.

The Carter Center confirmed his death, saying he died peacefully at his home in Plains, surrounded by his family. He was the longest-lived president in U.S. history.

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Carter's last public appearance was at his late wife Rosalynn Carter's funeral on Nov. 29, 2023. He was also briefly seen watching a U.S. Navy flyover with F-18s and World War II planes on his 100th birthday.

Related: Jimmy Carter covered by blanket paying tribute to Rosalynn Carter during Atlanta service

James Earl Carter was born in Plains, Georgia, on October 1, 1924, into a family of peanut farmers.

There, in the peanut capital of the world, the Carter family’s Baptist roots ran deep. Jimmy, as he liked to be called, was fond of the family business. But he grew to love the life of public service even more.

In his early years, Carter attended Georgia Southwestern College, Georgia Tech and the U.S. Naval Academy. He went on to serve overseas.

He married Rosalynn Smith, and they had three sons and a daughter.

After his father died in 1953, Jimmy Carter returned to Plains to take over the family farming supply business. While home, he became involved in community affairs, serving on the county school board, the hospital board and Georgia Planning Association.

In 1962, amid the growing civil-rights movement, Carter was elected to the Georgia Senate. From there, it was on to a gubernatorial campaign in 1966. That attempt failed. But in 1971, Jimmy Carter became Georgia’s 76th governor.

"I want to do a good job as governor, and I will do my best," he said at the time.

From there, his political career flourished.

In 1974, then-Gov. Carter announced his run for president. He won the Democratic Party nomination at the 1976 convention on the first ballot.

On Nov. 2, 1976, Jimmy Carter, campaigning as a Washington outsider, defeated Republican incumbent Gerald Ford and won the White House.

President Carter served one term, from 1977 to 1981. There were some monumental highs during his time in office, such as the brokering of the Camp David accord between Egypt and Israel.

"I kept Sadat in one cabin, Menachem Begin in another cabin, and I went back and forth between them … to try to bring some resolution to the issues that divided the Israelis and Egyptians," Carter said.

But his years in office were also beset by the energy crisis, inflation, high interest rates and the infamous "444 days" of the American hostage crisis in Iran.

All the hostages were released on Carter’s last day as president, just as Ronald Reagan took office.

After losing his bid for re-election, President Carter continued to champion human rights throughout the world.

He founded The Carter Center in Atlanta to promote global health, democracy and human rights.

"I wanted to figure out a way to do this, and The Carter Center was born from the answer to that question," he said.

After his presidency, Carter also became a strong advocate of Habitat for Humanity, solidifying his legacy as one of the country’s most productive former presidents.

Over the years, he wrote more than two dozen books and continued efforts to promote worldwide peace by monitoring international elections and establishing various relief efforts.

In 2015 came shattering news about his health. Carter candidly announced that he was battling liver and brain cancer. 

"Now I feel it’s in the hands of God, who I worship, and I’ll be prepared for anything that comes," he said.

Extensive treatment followed, yet that did not stop Carter from doing what he did best: serving the people. He continued to lead Sunday School classes at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains and to help build Habitat for Humanity houses for those in need.

Carter received many honors throughout his life. At the 2000 Democratic Convention, delegates rose to their feet in his honor. The USS Jimmy Carter, a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, was added to the Navy fleet.

But, it was President Carter himself who said that his highest recognition came in 2002, when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

"It is with a deep sense of gratitude I accept this prize."

James Earl Carter considered life itself a prize and said he cherished every moment:

"I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, and I’ve had an adventurous and satisfying and gratifying existence."

The Carter Center's full statement on Jimmy Carter's death

"Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States and winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 100, the longest-lived president in U.S. history.

"President Carter is survived by his children, Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Smith Carter, who died on Nov. 19, 2023, and one grandchild.

"'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. ‘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.’"

How to support the Carter family

The public can share condolences on Jimmy Carter's official tribute website. The site has an online condolence book as well as print and visual biographical materials commemorating his life.

The Carter family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307.

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