The remarkable journey of Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer who ascended to the presidency amid the political turmoil of the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War, culminated in a life dedicated to humanitarian efforts after a challenging single term. Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, leaves behind a legacy of resilience and service that redefined post-presidential life. His story is one of humility and profound impact, illustrating how he turned personal and political adversity into a call for global compassion and action.

As the longest-lived American president and a three-time Grammy Award winner for his audiobook contributions, Carter’s life was a tapestry of achievements and challenges. He died on Sunday, December 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he had lived with his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away at 96 in November 2023. This small town, rich in history, served as the backdrop for much of their enduring love and humanitarian work, as reported by The Carter Center.

The Carter Center confirmed the news of his passing through a heartfelt message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia.” The statement emphasized that Carter died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, a reflection of the values he cherished throughout his life.

As condolences poured in from across the globe, President Joe Biden expressed deep sorrow over Carter’s death, highlighting the loss of an “extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.” Biden described Carter as a dear friend whose unwavering compassion and moral clarity inspired countless individuals. He praised Carter’s extensive work in areas such as disease eradication, peacebuilding, the advancement of civil and human rights, and advocacy for the disadvantaged, setting a high standard for future leaders.

Biden also addressed young Americans and those seeking purpose, urging them to study the life of Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He stated, “He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.” These words reflect the enduring influence Carter had on the national consciousness concerning civic responsibility and ethical leadership.

In recognition of his life’s work and contributions, President Biden has ordered a state funeral for Carter in Washington, D.C., a fitting tribute to a life spent in service to others. This solemn ceremony will honor Carter’s legacy and the impactful role he played in shaping American values and global humanitarian efforts.

Reactions from the music community highlighted Carter’s profound impact on various sectors of society. Many artists took to social media to share their memories and honor his legacy on Sunday.

Peter Gabriel, a long-time friend of Carter, expressed his admiration, stating, “President Jimmy Carter was a truly extraordinary man and a rare politician who consistently advocated for idealism, compassion, and human rights, particularly for women and those facing oppression. I feel privileged to have known and worked alongside such an inspiring individual.” His sentiments echo the widespread respect and admiration Carter garnered throughout his life.

Trisha Yearwood also shared her grief, writing, “Rest easy, Mr. President. I’m sad for us, and happy for you. Your and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter’s legacy of love will live forever.” Yearwood and her husband, Garth Brooks, played significant roles in the 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project with Habitat for Humanity, showcasing the couple’s dedication to community service.

The Academy of Country Music paid tribute to Carter by quoting him: “Country Music is heard everywhere. It is the deepest expression of all that is uniquely American.” In their statement, they expressed gratitude for his service to humanity and his passion for country music, emphasizing the cultural impact he had throughout his life.

Jimmy Carter was more than just a politician; he was a multifaceted individual who wore many hats: businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, negotiator, author, woodworker, and a dedicated citizen of the world. His presidency and post-presidency legacy challenge conventional political assumptions, setting him apart among the 45 individuals who have held the nation’s highest office. The 39th president combined his ambition with a sharp intellect, deep religious convictions, and an unparalleled work ethic, leading diplomatic missions well into his 80s and tirelessly building homes for those in need into his 90s.

Carter once said, “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference.” This statement reflects his unwavering commitment to humanitarian work and his belief in the power of individual action to create meaningful change in the world.

A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the presidential race in 1976 as a relatively unknown governor from Georgia, characterized by a genuine smile, strong Baptist values, and a set of technocratic plans influenced by his engineering background. His campaign was largely funded by public financing, and his promise to be honest with the American people resonated deeply in the wake of the Nixon scandal and the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Southeast Asia.

Carter famously stated, “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president.” This bold declaration helped him secure a narrow victory over the Republican incumbent, Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity due to his controversial pardon of Nixon.

Carter’s presidency was marked by significant challenges, including Cold War tensions, volatile oil prices, and social upheaval surrounding issues of race and gender equality. His most notable achievement was brokering a historic peace agreement in the Middle East, bringing together Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin for negotiations that lasted 13 days in 1978. This pivotal moment not only earned him the Nobel Peace Prize but also inspired the establishment of the post-presidential center where he would continue his impactful work.

However, Carter’s presidency faced severe challenges, including rampant inflation, long lines at gas stations, and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His administration’s lowest point came when a failed rescue mission resulted in the deaths of eight American servicemen in April 1980, a tragic event that contributed to his eventual landslide defeat by Republican Ronald Reagan.

In his 2020 memoir, White House Diary, Carter acknowledged that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” which complicated his relationships with Congress and federal agencies. He also struggled to engage effectively with the media and lobbyists, failing to recognize their significant influence on political outcomes. Despite not receiving a nomination for his White House Diary, Carter achieved a remarkable 10 Grammy Award nominations throughout his life, winning three for his audiobook recordings: Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis (2007), A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety (2016), and Faith – A Journey for All (2019). He is also nominated for a fourth Grammy for his posthumous spoken word album, Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration, at the upcoming 2025 Grammys.

Carter noted, “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” suggesting that he felt a fundamental disconnect with Washington insiders. Despite this, he maintained that his overall approach was sound, asserting that he achieved his primary objectives: to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and to “enhance human rights both domestically and internationally,” even if he fell short of winning a second term.

The ignominious defeat in 1980 opened new avenues for renewal. In 1982, the Carters established The Carter Center, which became a pioneering organization in global humanitarian efforts, positioning them as champions of democracy, public health, and human rights on the international stage.

Carter expressed his desire for the center in his memoir published after his 90th birthday, stating, “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia. I wanted a place where we could work.” This statement emphasizes his commitment to active engagement in global issues rather than merely reflecting on his past achievements.

Among the many initiatives of The Carter Center, Carter worked tirelessly to ease nuclear tensions on the Korean Peninsula, played a role in averting a U.S. invasion of Haiti, and negotiated cease-fires in conflict zones such as Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the center had officially declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia, and Africa as either free or fraudulent, showcasing its commitment to upholding democratic standards. Recently, The Carter Center has also begun monitoring elections within the United States.

Carter’s unwavering conviction and even his perceived self-righteousness became advantageous once he operated beyond the constraints of Washington’s political sphere, sometimes to the frustration of subsequent leaders. He often ventured into areas where others hesitated to tread, such as Ethiopia, Liberia, and North Korea, where he successfully negotiated the release of an American citizen who had accidentally crossed the border in 2010.

“I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter asserted, reflecting his independence and commitment to his principles.

Carter boldly announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without coordinating with the Clinton administration, demonstrating his willingness to challenge the status quo. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq and addressed America’s policy towards Israel in his 2006 book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. Additionally, he consistently advocated for the inclusion of North Korea in international diplomatic discussions, aligning his views with those of Republican President Donald Trump at times.

Among the numerous public health initiatives spearheaded by Carter, he committed to eradicating the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, achieving remarkable progress as cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly negligible numbers. Alongside his wife, he actively participated in building homes with Habitat for Humanity, showcasing their dedication to improving living conditions for low-income families.

The Nobel Committee awarded Carter the Peace Prize in 2002, recognizing his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advance democracy and human rights, and promote economic and social development.” The committee’s chairman noted that Carter should have received the award alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, highlighting the historical significance of his contributions to peace.

Carter graciously accepted the recognition, acknowledging that significant work remained to be done in the realm of global peace and humanitarian efforts.

He remarked, “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place. The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.”