Jimmy Carter, former US president, dead at 100

Jimmy Carter, having lived longer than any other US president, has died at his home, according to his son.

Former US president Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100.

Mr Carter, a Democrat, led the United States from 1977 to 1981. He defeated Republican Gerald Ford in the 1976 presidential election, before losing his bid for re-election to Ronald Reagan in 1980.

In his post-politics career, Mr Carter devoted his time to charitable and humanitarian causes, which brought him widespread admiration.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 due to his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development”.

He died at his home on Sunday afternoon, local time.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” Mr Carter’s son, Chip Carter, said in a statement.

“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 honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

Jimmy Carter during his presidency.

And in his later years. Picture: Mandel Ngan/AFP

Mr Carter rose from humble beginnings in rural Georgia, in America’s south, to lead the United States.

He had been in hospice care since mid-February of 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia - the same small town where he was born, and once ran a peanut farm, before becoming governor of the state and then running for the White House.

Mr Carter died “peacefully” and was “surrounded by his family”, his non-profit organisation, The Carter Center, said in a statement.

There will be public observances in both Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, and Washington D.C., before a private interment in Plains.

The final arrangements for Mr Carter’s state funeral are yet to be finalised.

Mr Carter was the oldest living former American president and the nation’s longest-lived president of all time. That seemed an unlikely feat back in 2015, when Mr Carter revealed he had brain cancer.

But the US Navy veteran and fervent Christian repeatedly defied the odds to enjoy a long and fruitful post-presidency.

Mr Carter in 1976, with secretary of state Henry Kissinger and vice president Walter Mondale. Picture: AFP

And at a famous debate with Mr Reagan in 1980.

During his single term, Mr Carter displayed a firm commitment on human rights and social justice, enjoying a strong first two years that included brokering a peace deal between Israel and Egypt, dubbed the Camp David Accords.

But his administration hit numerous snags, the most serious being the taking of US hostages in Iran and the disastrous failed attempt to rescue the 52 captive Americans in 1980. He also copped criticism for his handling of an oil crisis.

In November of that year, Mr Reagan clobbered Mr Carter at the polls, relegating the Democrat to just one term. Mr Reagan, a former actor and governor of California, swept into office on a wave of staunch conservatism.

Admirable post-presidency

As the years passed, a more nuanced image of Mr Carter emerged, one that took into account his significant post-presidential activities and reassessed his achievements.

He founded The Carter Center in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy.

He observed numerous elections around the world and emerged as a prominent international mediator, tackling global problems from North Korea to Bosnia.

Mr Carter, known for his toothy smile, said basic Christian tenets such as justice and love served as the bedrock of his presidency. He taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist, his church in Plains, well into his nineties.

In recent years, he had received various hospital treatments, including when he revealed in August of 2015 that he had brain cancer and was undergoing radiation.

US Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia, who is the pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church where Martin Luther King Jr preached, wished the Carter family comfort as the former president entered hospice last year.

“Across life’s seasons, President Jimmy Carter, a man of great faith, has walked with God,” Mr Warnock wrote on X, then Twitter.

“In this tender time of transitioning, God is surely walking with him.”

Mr Carter and his wife Rosalynn, who died last year. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images via AFP

In April of 2021, President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, met with the Carters at their home.

The White House later released a photo showing the couples smiling together, although only Mr Carter’s wife Rosalynn was seen by the press outside, bidding the Bidens farewell while using a walker.

Rosalynn, Carter’s wife of 77 years, died on November 19, 2023 at the age of 96. The former president, who looked frail, appeared at her memorial service in a wheelchair, with a blanket on his lap bearing their likenesses.

Mr Carter is survived by the couple’s four children: three sons and a daughter.

‘I just heard’: Reaction to Carter’s death

President Biden called Mr Carter “an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”.

“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism,” Mr Biden said, referring to both himself and his wife Jill.

“We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts.

“To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To their staff – from the earliest days to the final ones – we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that carry on their legacy.

“And to all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.”

Jimmy Carter in 2004. Picture: Juan Barreto/AFP

President-elect Donald Trump reacted to Mr Carter’s death with a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

“I just heard about the news of the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to have served as president understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History,” Mr Trump wrote.

“The challenges Jimmy faced as president came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

“Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.”