Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has passed away at the age of 100.
He died on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, following years of battling melanoma skin cancer.
Carter, who was the longest-living US president in history, spent his final years in hospice care, surrounded by family.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said his son, James E. Carter III.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Carter graduated from a naval academy, served as a submarine engineer, and later entered politics, becoming Georgia’s governor in 1971.
As president from 1977 to 1981, Carter focused on easing Cold War tensions, signing the SALT II agreement with the Soviet Union.
However, the treaty was derailed by geopolitical conflicts, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Carter’s presidency was marked by key achievements, such as brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt and laying the groundwork for the Panama Canal handover.
Domestically, he created the Departments of Energy and Education while advocating for environmental policies.
His tenure was overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis, which ended on the day Ronald Reagan succeeded him in office.
Post-presidency, Carter devoted his life to humanitarian work through the Carter Center, championing democracy and global health.
In 2002, he was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in peacebuilding and human rights advocacy.
Carter is survived by his wife, Rosalynn, children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family.
Source: Reuters
