NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday at the age of 100.
The Carter Center confirmed that the 39th president—who served from 1977 to 1981—passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family after entering hospice care nearly two years ago.
“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.”
Carter, the longest-lived American president, is survived by his children, Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Smith Carter, who passed away on Nov. 19, 2023, and one grandchild.
As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections and house the homeless as an example for others.
“To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility,” Biden said in a statement.
Biden also declared Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning across the nation and ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday.
The Carter Center, the charity he started after his presidency, announced on Feb. 22, 2023, that the former president had entered hospice care "to spend his remaining time at home with his family."
Then, in an interview published with Carter's grandson Josh, 39, by People on Aug. 19, 2023, he said, "It's clear we're in the final chapter."
Josh also said at the time, "He’s still fully Jimmy Carter. He's just tired. I mean he's almost 99 years old, but he fully understands [how many well wishes he's received] and has felt the love."
The Carter family announced on May 30, 2023, that former president's wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, had been diagnosed with dementia. She died "peacefully, with family by her side" months later on Nov. 19, 2023, at 96 years old.
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” the former president said in a statement at the time. “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”
Jimmy Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946, after which he joined the Navy as a submarine serviceman.
He served as a democratic Georgia state senator and later governor before his presidency, which ran from 1977 to 1981.
As president, he struggled to contend with the 1979 Iran hostage crisis — an international incident in which 52 American diplomats and citizens were taken hostage by militarized supporters of the Iranian revolution.
The revolution took place in 1977, the same year Carter took office from Gerald Ford.
The crisis was the culmination of Iranian anger against the U.S.’ support for the ousted regime, which the CIA helped install by overthrowing the democratically-elected president of Iran in 1953.
The anger against America was exacerbated by Carter’s decision to allow the deposed Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi to seek Lymphoma treatment in New York two years after the revolution.
The Shah’s admission to the U.S. sparked rumors of plans for a second C.I.A.-backed coup. The militarized college students who took the diplomats hostage hoped to exchange their captives for the return of the Shah to stand trial in Iran.
Most of the hostages were held for 444 days. They were released on Jan. 20, 1981, just minutes after Ronald Reagan completed his inaugural address after being sworn as president.
Carter’s failure to secure the hostages’ release before the 1980 election was a major boon to Reagan’s campaign.
The Iranian revolution also set off the 1979 Oil Shock, in which gas prices more than doubled and fuel shortages racked the U.S.
The economic crisis brought about by the Oil Shock and the public relations disaster of the hostage crisis tanked Carter’s popularity while in office.
As president, he also orchestrated the Camp David Accords, a pair of agreements between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin that represented a major step toward normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Carter remained a statesman for the U.S. long after his presidency — brokering treaties, conducting peace negotiations and acting as an election monitor abroad.
In 1982, the former president founded the Carter Center, a non-profit dedicated to supporting human rights. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work in 2002.
He also served as a major promoter of Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit housing organization.
Public observances honoring former President Jimmy Carter will take place in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Details of the state funeral, including public events and motorcade routes, are still being finalized. The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, responsible for overseeing the arrangements, will release the full schedule in the coming days, according to The Carter Center.
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