The former president of the United States, James Earl Carter (Jimmy Carter), has died at the age of 100, his son confirmed to the US media. During his term as the 39th president, he had been labelled weak, naive and indecisive, but after he left the White House, he impressed leaders globally.
Carter, who was a Democrat, became president in 1977 after defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in the 1976 election. The former peanut farmer from Georgia served only one term as president. He was defeated by Republican Ronald Reagan in 1981, winning just six states.
His one-term presidency was marked by some highs, including the 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. The historic agreement provided a framework for a peace treaty. He was also the first US leader to take climate change seriously. But his term in office was not considered successful, and he left with a meagre reputation.
However, once he left the White House, Carter did much to restore his name, emerging as a defender of human rights, the environment and peace, a life's work that won him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Carter lived longer than any US president. He celebrated his 100th birthday in October 2024. He had been treated for cancer and had been cared for at home since February 2023. His last public appearance was to attend his wife Rosalynn's funeral in November 2023.
Day of mourning
The White House announced on Sunday that a day of national mourning will be held in the US on 9 January 2025 following Carter's death. There will also be an official state funeral in Washington D.C..
"I call on the American people to gather in their respective houses of worship on that day to honour the memory of President James Earl Carter J," Biden said in the announcement. "I invite everyone who shares our grief to join us in this solemn commemoration."
Biden and First Lady Jill Biden also said on Sunday that America and the world lost an exceptional leader, statesman and philanthropist following his passing. "With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and always stand up for the weakest among us. He saved, helped and changed lives of people all over the world," Biden continued. "He was a man of great character full of courage, hope and optimism."
US former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, have given credence to his work and commitment to the country, calling him someone with strong convictions, who worked tirelessly for a better and fairer world and "an extraordinary man".
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European leaders also reacted to his death, with the word ‘tireless’ often being mentioned. "Throughout his life, Carter was a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable,’ French President Emmanuel Macron said. "He pursued peace tirelessly."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on social media referred to Carter's "extraordinary commitment to social justice and human rights, at home and abroad".
