PLAINS, GA – Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a lifelong advocate for peace, human rights, and public service, died on Sunday, December 29, 2024. He was 100.

The Carter Center announced his death in a statement, saying he passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family. Carter had been in hospice care since February after a series of health challenges in recent years.

Carter, a Democrat, served as president from 1977 to 1981, focusing on issues like energy independence, environmental conservation, and international diplomacy. His administration is perhaps best remembered for brokering the historic Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel. After leaving the White House, Carter dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work promoting democracy, health, and peace worldwide.

“Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others—until the very end,” former President Bill Clinton said in a statement. “From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-Presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity—he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.”

Clinton served for his first term as governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981, the last half of Carter’s presidency.

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“Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud, early supporters of his Presidential campaign. I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalynn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House,” the former president noted. “Our prayers are with Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and their families.”

Politicians on both sides of the aisle are offering their condolences.

“Jimmy Carter devoted his life to his faith, community, and country,” Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas) noted. “He was a humanitarian at heart and touched the lives of those around him as well as countless others across the world. Service, leadership, compassion, and character will define his extraordinary legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with the Carter family and all those who admired President Carter as our country remembers and honors him.”

“Jimmy Carter will be remembered for his compassion, his servant heart & his long post presidency record,” former Governor Asa Hutchinson said Sunday. “He set an example of public service through Habitat for Humanity & international relief work. He was committed to Middle East peace which resulted with an accord with Egypt.”

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Carter was a naval officer, peanut farmer, and Georgia governor before ascending to the presidency. His time in office faced challenges, including economic struggles and the Iran hostage crisis, but his post-presidential years solidified his reputation as one of America’s most admired statesmen.

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In addition to his work through the Carter Center, he was a devoted volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and an author of numerous books. He often spoke of his faith, attributing much of his life’s work to his Christian values.

Carter is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A funeral service is expected to take place in Plains, in accordance with his wishes for a simple, modest ceremony.