Former President Jimmy Carter Dies At 100

In the company of his loved ones, Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died peacefully on Sunday at the age of 100 in his home in Plains, Georgia. Following his decision to enter hospice care earlier in 2023 with the full support of his family and medical team, the Carter Center made the announcement.

From Peanut Farmer to President

James Earl Carter Jr. was born in Plains, Georgia, on October 1, 1924, and started his military career by earning his U.S. Naval Academy in 1946. Carter was in the Navy for seven years, working on the nuclear submarine program before coming home to oversee his family’s peanut farm. He subsequently entered politics as a result of this change, serving as a state senator and then governor of Georgia.

Carter, a little-known politician at the time, declared his intention to run for president in 1976. After winning 30 state primaries, his grassroots movement gathered traction and he was awarded the Democratic nomination. He became president after defeating President Gerald Ford in a close contest.

Among Carter’s administration’s major accomplishments were the creation of the Departments of Education and Energy and the Camp David Accords, which resulted in peace between Egypt and Israel. However, these victories were overshadowed by economic difficulties, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the hostage situation in Iran, which ultimately resulted in Ronald Reagan’s victory over him in 1980.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll President

Carter’s love for rock music made him a cultural standout. As Georgia’s governor, he embraced artists like Bob Dylan, whose lyrics he famously quoted during his 1976 Democratic National Convention speech. Dylan and The Band even visited Carter’s governor’s mansion in 1974.

The Allman Brothers Band and the Marshall Tucker Band played pivotal roles in Carter’s presidential campaign, raising funds that kept his team afloat. Guitarist Dickey Betts later noted how Carter’s anti-segregationist stance transformed perceptions of Georgia.

Famous performances during his presidential inaugural balls included Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, and Crosby, Stills & Nash, who later reteamed at the White House. The documentary Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President emphasized these links.

A Legacy of Service

Post-presidency, Carter became a symbol of humanitarianism. Through the Carter Center, he worked to advance human rights, monitor elections, and combat diseases in underserved regions. His dedication to affordable housing as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer became legendary. In 2002, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his lifetime of service to peace and social justice.

As a leader, humanitarian, and advocate for cultural and social progress, Carter’s life and legacy will continue to inspire generations.