Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States died on Sunday, December 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia. The former peanut farmer died at the age of 100, becoming the longest-lived president in U.S. history. President Carter is survived by his children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn, and one grandchild. “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son. “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.” The Democrat served as president from 1977 to 1981, a period beset by economic and diplomatic crises. Prior to becoming president, Carter was governor of Georgia, a lieutenant in the US navy. His wife, Rosalynn, who he was married to for 77 years, died in November 2023. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said the world had lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. Describing him as a dear friend and a man of principle, faith and humility, they added: He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong. There will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia, the Carter Center said in a statement announcing his death. President-elect Donald Trump said all Americans owe Carter a debt of gratitude. 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. In a statement, former President Bill Clinton and wife Hillary Clinton said he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world, noting his humanitarian, environmental and diplomatic efforts. Guided by faith, President Carter lived to serve others - until the very end, they added. Former President Barack Obama paid tribute to Carter's decency and said he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Republican former President George W Bush, meanwhile, said Carter dignified the office and that his efforts to leave behind a better world didn't end with the presidency.
