Former US President Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981, passed away on December 29, 2023, at the remarkable age of 101. Celebrated worldwide for his dedication to human rights and humanitarian causes, Carter's life was marked by both triumphs and challenges, from his political career to his post-presidential activism.
Born James Earl Carter Jr. on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, he grew up during the Great Depression, which shaped his worldview and instilled values of compassion and service. Raised by a prosperous family of peanut farmers, Carter was afforded quality education, graduating from the prestigious Georgia Institute of Technology and the United States Naval Academy, where he was later commissioned as a submarine officer.
After returning home to take over the family farm following the death of his father, Carter's commitment to civil rights and equality set him apart. He entered politics as the Georgia State Senator, promoting policies against segregation, and later became the Governor of Georgia, where he continued to advocate for civil rights.
Carter’s presidential campaign kicked off during the political turmoil of the ’76 elections, standing out as the only candidate untainted by the Watergate scandal. Voters were drawn to his honesty and down-to-earth demeanor, and he secured key states typically loyal to Republicans, such as his own southern base, which clinched his victory over incumbent Gerald Ford. His advocacy for peace earned him accolades, especially for orchestrated agreements such as the Camp David Accords, which normalized relations between Egypt and Israel.
Despite these early successes, Carter's presidency was marred by significant foreign and domestic crises. The Iranian hostage crisis, which began when militants seized the US embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, became the defining challenge of his administration. Although his efforts to negotiate the hostages' release were unsuccessful, they greatly affected his standing among voters. This episode, coupled with the oil embargo and rising inflation, led to Carter's downfall, culminating in his defeat against Ronald Reagan during the 1980 election, where he lost by a landslide.
Not one to retreat from public life after leaving the White House, Carter became known for his post-presidential humanitarian work, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of commitment to building peace around the globe. He worked tirelessly on projects through The Carter Center, focusing on global health initiatives, sustainable development, and democracy promotion around the world.
On January 9, 2024, Carter will be honored with state-level funeral services held at Washington D.C.’s Capitol Rotunda and later at the National Cathedral. His family confirmed they would hold private farewell ceremonies, allowing friends and dignitaries the chance to pay their respects. President Joe Biden was invited to deliver the eulogy, recognizing Carter's influence and legacy.
Carter's final resting place will be right beside his beloved wife, Roslyn Carter, who passed away only weeks earlier on November 19, 2023, following 77 years of marriage. These funerals will draw prominent figures, including former Presidents Obama, Clinton, and possibly even Trump, reflecting Carter's broad impact across political spectrums.
Leading up to the funeral, many will have the opportunity to view Carter’s casket as it lies in honor at the Capitol, from January 7 to 9, offering citizens the chance to celebrate and reflect on his contributions to the nation and the world.
Reflecting on his illustrious yet tumultuous life, Carter’s influence extends beyond his years of public service; he was viewed as a moralist who championed human rights globally. His later criticism of political leaders such as Vladimir Putin highlighted his undying commitment to combating injustice and advocating for peace, even as he faced personal health challenges.
Jimmy Carter’s legacy, characterized by empathy and unwavering dedication to service, reminds us of the power of humility and integrity within leadership. His remarkable life and career set benchmarks for future leaders and inspire countless people to contribute positively to society.
Now, as the nation mourns the loss of this revered statesman, tributes pour forth from around the world to honor his remarkable contributions toward building bridges and fostering peace. The world has not only lost the last American president to live beyond 100 but also one of its most impassioned advocates for human rights.