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ATLANTA—Tributes are pouring in as news that Georgia native Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived President in U.S. history, passed away today, Dec. 29. He was 100 years old.
The former president is being remembered as a Sunday School teacher, peanut farmer, global humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize winner by Georgia officials in touching tributes.
President Carter had been in hospice care at home after battling illness. He died surrounded by family. His beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, died in November 2023, two days after she went into hospice care.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” Chip Carter, the former president’s son, said in a statement.
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, a Democrat from Plains, GA, became the nation’s 39thpresident after taking office in 1977. He served one term in the White House– from 1977 to 1981. His political career also included election to the Georgia Senate in 1961 and becoming Georgia’s 76th governor in 1971. Carter went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his global humanitarian efforts. Before going into politics, Carter was a peanut farmer and U.S. Navy lieutenant before going into politics.
In 1982, the former president founded the Carter Center in Atlanta, in partnership with Emory University. The center’s iniatives include monitoring international elections, fighting diseases in developing countries and seeking international peace.
Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District recalled President Carter as a leader who had an unparalleled service to mankind.
“President Carter restored honest competence, integrity, and humility to the Office of the Presidency. He led the nation with vision and courage, although his Southern heritage was used to belittle him in the eyes of many,” Johnson said. “I know of no man in his post presidency who has had a greater impact on humanity than President Carter. His selfless service to mankind is unparalleled, as was his humbleness and fortitude. Rest In Peace, humble servant.”
Congresswoman Nikema Williams, who represents Georgia’s 5thCongressional District, remembered President Carter, a former peanut farmer who rose to win a Noble Peace Prize. Williams said she and her husband, Leslie, named their son, Carter, in honor of the nation’s 39th president.
“Throughout his extraordinary life, President Jimmy Carter was a force for peace, human rights, and a voice for marginalized communities. The once peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia became a Nobel Peace Prize winner, reminding us that everyday people have the power to change the world,” said Congresswoman Williams.
“My husband, Leslie, and I named our only son, Carter, after this great President. I will always remember the time my two-year-old Carter met the former President. After finding a stuffed pig in President Carter’s box of toys, my Carter insisted the former leader of the free world play with him, oinking just like a pig. President Carter obliged with the same kindness he showed throughout his life. I strive everyday to make sure my Carter embodies his namesake’s humility and commitment to service.
My family sends our deepest condolences to the entire Carter family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said in a statement that President Carter represented the very best American ideals.
“President Carter dedicated his life to serving our great nation and the people of Georgia. As a true servant-leader, he devoted his post-presidency to spreading the very best of American ideals across the globe. His commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights has left an indelible mark on the world,” Raffensperger said .“Tricia and I mourn his passing and extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family.
May President Carter be at peace, reunited with his true love Rosalynn in their eternal rest.”
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond praised President Carter’s global humanitarianism.
“DeKalb County joins the world in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter, a true man of the people who never forgot his humble roots as he tirelessly worked to improve the lives of millions. His legacy of global humanitarianism will impact the world forever,” Thurmond said.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens recalled the impact that Jimmy Carter had on him as early as a child and over the last four decades, with his devoted wife, Rosalynn, alongside him. Dickens said:
“Today, Atlanta mourns Georgia’s only President.
“I was born into a state led by Governor Carter. When I learned the Pledge of Allegiance at Miles Elementary School, a photo of President Carter hung on the wall. And for the last four decades, I have watched Jimmy Carter and his beloved Rosalynn be the very definition of servant leaders, representing the best that our state and our nation have to offer.
“After returning home from the White House to Georgia, the Carters redefined the purpose of a post-presidency, never seeking riches and always being guided by their faith and values. They labored to end diseases that others ignored and advance democracy where others saw no hope. Sojourning from their modest home in Plains, they sought peace in war-torn regions and built houses with Habitat for Humanity.
“My heart goes out to the entire Carter family here in Atlanta, across Georgia and our nation. I am so proud that President Carter’s legacy will continue to endure here in Atlanta through The Carter Center. As we mourn this loss, let us also tell our children the story of the boy from Plains who would be President.
“From building affordable homes through Habitat for Humanity to protecting democracy across the globe by ensuring fair and free elections, President Carter has changed the world forever,” Dickens said.
City of Atlanta Council President Doug Shipman remembered President Carter as an extraordinary leader who had a deep sense of love for humanity.
“The passing of former President Jimmy Carter is indeed a sad day but also a day to celebrate an extraordinary person and life of service. I had the opportunity to support his work as a member of the Carter Center Board of Directors over the past seven years and seeing him work up close was an honor and a window into his deep love of humanity, peace and an eternal faith that the world can be better.
“President Carter never stopped working, never wavered in his faith and always showed his devotion to his wife Rosalynn, his family and our collective future. Like so many I was deeply touched by him and know our city, country and world are much better for his 100 years on this earth. May his memory be a blessing and may his family feel our love in this hour of sadness.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, the state of Georgia, the United States and the entire world,” Shipman said.
Elisabeth Omilami, daughter of the late Atlanta civil rights leader, Hosea Williams, recalled the deep compassion and concern for the poor and homeless that the former president shared with her father.
“My father, Reverend Hosea Williams, and President Carter shared many meaningful conversations. Though they didn’t always agree, their debates often centered on how to encourage this country to do more—more for the poor, more for the homeless, and more for the people in the rural areas of this state.
“…We honor the memory of President Jimmy Carter, a man who never forgot his roots as a Georgian, a peanut farmer, and a son of Plains, Georgia. Though God elevated him to the highest political office in this country, he remained grounded and committed to making a lasting impact on the world. His contributions extended far beyond politics—whether through Habitat for Humanity, tackling the devastating disease of river blindness in Africa, or countless other acts of service.
“…To the Carter family, especially his wonderful grandson, Jason Carter, we extend our prayers and heartfelt condolences. We also hold our heads high with pride, knowing that this country was capable of producing such a man and woman as President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter,” Omilami’s statement said in part.