ATLANTA – Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died Sunday afternoon at the age of 100 at his home in Plains.
Carter, a Democrat and the only Georgian to serve as the nation’s chief executive, served a single term in the White House from 1977 until 1981, losing to Republican Ronald Reagan in 1980 after a presidency marred by high inflation, an oil crisis, and the kidnapping of 53 U.S. diplomats and other American citizens held hostage by Iranian militants for 444 days.
“He showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country,” Gov. Brian Kemp said Sunday. “And as a son of Plains, he always valued Georgians and the virtues of our state, choosing to return to his rural home after his time in public office.”
Carter, the only former U.S. president to live to 100, made important contributions for decades after leaving the White House. The Carter Center in Atlanta continues to address global health issues, while Carter worked to support various charities including Habitat for Humanity.
“President Carter’s lifetime of work and dedication to public service changed the lives of many across our state, our country, and around the world,” said U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga. “Among his lifetime of service and countless accomplishments, President Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family.”
Carter’s most significant accomplishment as president was bringing together the leaders of Israel and Egypt in 1978 to hammer out the Camp David Accords, a pair of peace agreements between the two countries that have held up for nearly half a century.
Before running for president, Carter served as a state senator and as Georgia’s 76th governor.
Carter entered home hospice care in February 2023. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, died in November of last year at the age of 96.
Carter is survived by sons Jack, Chip, and Jeff, as well as daughter Amy. Grandson Jason Carter ran for governor in 2014.