‘True humanitarian’: PM pays tribute to former US president Jimmy Carter after death aged 100

Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to former US president and Nobel Peace Price winner Jimmy Carter following news of his passing, aged 100.

Anthony Albanese has praised Jimmy Carter as a “true humanitarian” and a “tireless” negotiator after the former US president died at the age of 100.

Mr Carter, who served as president from 1977-1981, died peacefully at his home in the US state of Georgia surrounded by loved ones, his family said on Sunday (local time).

The Prime Minister said in a statement on Monday Mr Carter’s legacy “is best measured in lives changed, saved and uplifted”.

Former US president Jimmy Carter helped build and repair more than 4000 homes with global non-profit Habitat for Humanity. Picture: Thony Belizaire / AFP

“President Jimmy Carter gave a century of noble service to the country he loved, to the cause of peace and to the lives of people in need all around the world,” Mr Albanese said.

“Jimmy Carter was a person of deep faith and a true humanitarian who dedicated his post-Presidential life to eradicating disease, preventing conflict, tackling poverty and campaigning for human rights.

“In all this, his late wife Rosalynn was always his essential partner and his strongest supporter.”

Rosalynn Carter, his wife of 77 years, died in November last year.

“Our world is better a place for Jimmy Carter’s life and work. May he rest in eternal peace,” Mr Albanese said.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also paid tribute to Mr Carter, calling him a man of “deep morality”.

President Jimmy Carter gave a century of noble service to the country he loved, to the cause of peace and to the lives of people in need all around the world.

Jimmy Carter was a person of deep faith and a true humanitarian who dedicated his post-Presidential life to eradicating…

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 29, 2024

Mr Carter’s presidency was somewhat marred by his failure to address the numerous economic challenges at the time, as well as the Iran hostage crisis.

Iranian revolutionaries took dozens of US diplomats and citizens hostage as they overthrew the Shah.

The ordeal lasted 444 days and crippled Mr Carter’s re-election campaign.

He reportedly stayed awake for two whole days to successfully negotiate the release of the hostages, who were freed as Ronald Reagan entered the White House.

But he gained bipartisan admiration in his post-presidential life for his prowess as an international negotiator and his philanthropic pursuits, including helping build and repair more than 4000 homes with global non-profit Habitat for Humanity.

His charitable works earned him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Reacting to the news, Joe Biden said the “world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian”.

Over six decades, Jill and I had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend.

But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. pic.twitter.com/irknhZ6CJY

— President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2024

“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” the US President said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Donald Trump said the presidency was “a very exclusive club” that only members of which “can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading” the US.

“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,” the US president-elect said.

James “Chip” Carter, former president Carter’s son, remembered his father as a “hero”.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” he said.

“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.”