Former US president Jimmy Carter dies at 100

WASHINGTON,— Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his humanitarian efforts, died Sunday at 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia, the Carter Center confirmed.

“In our eyes and in the eyes of those who cherish these values, my father was a hero,” Chip Carter said in a statement.

“My siblings and I shared him with the world through these common beliefs. He united people, making the world feel like one family. We thank you for honoring his memory by living out these shared ideals.”

Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, following his victory over Republican Gerald Ford in the 1976 election. His presidency was marked by significant achievements, including brokering the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt in 1978.

However, his term was also overshadowed by domestic economic struggles and the 444-day Iran hostage crisis, which ultimately contributed to his loss to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election.

Despite leaving office with low approval ratings, Carter redefined the role of a former president, dedicating the rest of his life to humanitarian work. His efforts with the Carter Center focused on global health initiatives, democracy promotion, and conflict resolution.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his relentless work to resolve international conflicts, strengthen democracy and human rights, and boost economic and social progress.

In recent years, Carter faced several health challenges, including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. In February 2023, he chose hospice care, deciding to focus on comfort rather than continuing medical treatment.

His wife, Rosalynn Carter, passed away just weeks earlier on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96. Carter, appearing frail, attended her funeral in a wheelchair.

Carter holds the distinction of living longer post-presidency than any other U.S. president, using those decades to establish a legacy of service and compassion that far outshone his time in office.

(With files from Reuters)