Jimmy Carter, the 39th US President, died aged 100 in his Georgia home.
His presidency from 1977 to 1981 was filled with achievements and challenges.
Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his commitment to peace and justice.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died on December 29, 2024, at the remarkable age of 100. He died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, the same modest, two-bedroom house he built in 1961 and returned to after hispresidency. His passing marks the end of a life dedicated to service, humility and unwavering principles.
Carter was not a man who sought wealth or personal gain. He once famously declared, “We give money; we don’t take it.” This wasn’t just a catchy phrase – it was how he lived his life. While many ex-Presidents capitalised on their fame, Carter chose a simpler path, pouring his energy into helping others through the Carter Centre. The organisation worked tirelessly to advance human rights, combat diseases and promote fair elections in developing nations.
Born and raised in Plains, Carter stayed true to his small-town roots. After leaving the White House, he lived modestly, flying coach on commercial airlines, teaching Sunday school at his local church, and engaging with his neighbours as one of theirs. Unlike the extravagance often associated with former Presidents, Carter’s lifestyle reflected his core belief: that humility and community are more valuable than power or riches.
Former US President Jimmy Carter died in December. Photo / Getty Images
Carter’s presidency from 1977 to 1981 was filled with achievements and challenges. He brokered the Camp David Accords, a historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel that remains one of the most significant diplomatic achievements of the 20th century. But his time in office was also marked by the Iran hostage crisis and economic struggles at home that overshadowed his presidency and contributed to his re-election loss in 1980.
Yet, Carter’s true legacy began after he left the Oval Office. Few leaders have done so much to better the world after their political careers ended. He took on causes many would overlook, like eradicating the Guinea worm disease – a fight that saved millions of lives in some of the world’s poorest regions. Through Habitat for Humanity, Carter’s hands-on approach to building homes for those in need embodied his belief in the dignity of labour and the power of community.
In 2002, Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize, a fitting acknowledgment of his decades-long commitment to peace and justice. But awards and recognition were never what drove him. Instead, he was guided by his faith and a simple, unshakable moral code that placed service to others above all else.
Carter’s personal life mirrored his public one. His 77-year marriage to Rosalynn, who died just over a year before him, was a partnership built on love, respect and shared purpose. Together, they showed the world what it meant to live a life rooted in faith and service.
Jimmy Carter with his wife Rosalynn. Photo / Getty Images
As we say goodbye to Jimmy Carter, we’re left with the sobering thought that we may never see his like again. In a time when so many leaders seem motivated by self-interest, Carter’s life stands as a shining example of what public service can and should be. He showed us leadership isn’t about taking; it’s about giving. It’s not about accumulating wealth or power, but about making the world a better place.
Cater will be mourned universally, particularly in Palestine – he was a long-term supporter of its cause.
The world is a lesser place without Jimmy Carter. But his legacy endures – not in grand monuments or extravagant tributes, but in the lives he touched, the communities he lifted and the hope he inspired. His life challenges us to do more, to be better and to think beyond ourselves.
As we reflect on his century-long journey, let’s honour Jimmy Carter not only with words, but with actions. Let us strive to live with the same humility, generosity and purpose that defined his life. If we can do that, then his spirit will continue to guide us, reminding us of the power of decency and the profound impact of a life well lived.
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