Breaking: Former President Jimmy Carter Dies at 100
Former President Jimmy Carter passed away on Sunday after spending over a year in hospice care.
The Georgia native died in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, reaching the age of 100.
President-elect Donald Trump shared his condolences on Truth Social shortly after the news broke.
“I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate 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,” 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.”
Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States, held office from 1977 to 1981. His rise to the presidency surprised many, as he launched an improbable campaign to secure the Democratic Party’s nomination and went on to defeat Republican incumbent President Gerald Ford.
During his administration, Carter issued a mass pardon for Americans who had evaded the Vietnam-era draft and facilitated the Camp David Accords, a landmark peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.
However, Carter's presidency faced significant challenges, including soaring inflation and the Iranian hostage crisis in its later years, issues that contributed to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election.
Many view Carter’s post-presidency contributions as equally, if not more, impactful than his time in office.
In 1994, Carter personally brokered an agreement with North Korea, a move credited with delaying the regime’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. His efforts in international diplomacy and humanitarian work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, with the committee praising his peacemaking achievements.
Through the Carter Center, the former president also made strides in combating diseases in impoverished nations, further cementing his legacy of service.
A Navy veteran and former governor of Georgia, Carter surpassed George H.W. Bush to become the longest-living former U.S. president.
A devout Christian, Carter openly shared his faith in Christ throughout his life, dedicating decades to teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church.
“It’s incompatible for any Christian not to believe in life after death,” Carter once said while reflecting on his faith after being diagnosed with cancer in 2015.