Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president who led the nation from 1977 to 1981, has died at the age of 100.
The Carter Center announced Sunday that Carter died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family. His death comes about a year after his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, passed away.
Despite receiving hospice care at the time, he attended the memorials for Rosalynn while sitting in a wheelchair, covered by a blanket.
He was also wheeled outside on Oct. 1 to watch a military flyover in celebration of his 100th birthday.
The Carter Center said in February 2023 that the former president and his family decided he would no longer seek medical treatment following several short hospital stays for an undisclosed illness.
Carter became the longest-living president in 2019, surpassing George H.W. Bush, who died at age 94 in 2018. Carter also had a long post-presidency, living 43 years following his White House departure.
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a statement. “We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism. We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts.”
“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,” President-elect Donald Trump said in a statement. “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 is survived by his four children.
The Carter family’s official online condolence book can be found here.
Credit: Scripps News Staff & LEX18/Lexington
