Jimmy Carter, the esteemed 39th President of the United States, who held office from 1977 to 1981, has sadly passed away at the remarkable age of 100. His legacy as a leader and humanitarian will forever be remembered.

The Carter Center, a foundation established by the former president, announced that he passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, on a serene Sunday, surrounded by his beloved family members. This intimate farewell reflects the deep connections he maintained throughout his life.

On February 18, 2023, Carter entered hospice care, a decision made with the full support of his family and medical team, marking a poignant moment in his life as he transitioned into this final chapter.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter, Jr. graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946. Following his graduation, he dedicated seven years to the Navy, where he contributed to the nuclear submarine program until his discharge in 1953. After his military service, he returned to manage his father’s peanut farm, which laid the groundwork for his later entry into politics. Carter served two terms as a Georgia state senator and was elected governor in 1970, showcasing his commitment to public service.

As he approached the final year of his governorship, Carter embarked on a presidential campaign, despite facing significant challenges such as limited name recognition. Through determination and hard work, he secured the Democratic nomination by winning 30 states during the primaries. In a dramatic election in November 1976, he narrowly triumphed over the incumbent President Gerald Ford, marking the beginning of a pivotal era in American history.

His presidency was characterized by notable achievements, including the groundbreaking Camp David peace agreement between Israel and Egypt and the establishment of the departments of energy and education, which significantly shaped the federal landscape. However, his administration faced substantial challenges, with ongoing economic difficulties, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the Iran hostage crisis all contributing to his electoral defeat in 1980. Ronald Reagan emerged victorious in a landslide victory, yet Carter’s influence continued to resonate long after his presidency.

Carter became well-known for his unexpected affinity for rock ‘n’ roll music, a bold choice that resonated with a generation. This journey began during his time as governor of Georgia when he was introduced to the music of Bob Dylan through his sons. In a memorable gesture, he invited Dylan and the Band to the governor’s mansion in 1974, leading to a musical exchange that highlighted the cultural connections he fostered. Carter famously quoted a line from Dylan’s song “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, portraying America as “busy being born, not busy dying.” His appreciation for music was further exemplified when he introduced Dylan as the 2015 MusiCares Person of the Year.

During his initial presidential campaign, the Allman Brothers Band and the Marshall Tucker Band contributed significantly by playing benefits, and Carter credited the funds raised—matched by federal support—as crucial for his campaign’s survival amid financial difficulties. Guitarist Dickey Betts remarked on Carter’s transformative impact, stating that he “totally changed the attitude about Georgia.” Carter’s presence at Gregg Allman’s funeral in 2016 illustrated his lasting connections to the music community.

His inaugural celebrations were marked by memorable performances, featuring reunions of iconic bands like Crosby, Stills & Nash, along with legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin and Paul Simon. The Atlanta Rhythm Section even performed on the White House lawn to celebrate his son Chip’s 28th birthday in 1978. The intersection of Carter’s presidency and rock music was explored in Mary Wharton’s documentary, Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President, which premiered on CNN in January 2021, showcasing the cultural significance of this unique connection.

After concluding his presidency, Carter remained deeply committed to public service. He founded the Carter Center, a vital organization dedicated to promoting human rights, monitoring elections, and eradicating diseases in underdeveloped nations. Notably, he became a prominent volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, an organization focused on building homes for low-income families. His extensive humanitarian efforts culminated in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, a testament to his lifelong dedication to making the world a better place.