WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Jimmy Carter died December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia, his presidential library announced. At 100, Carter, who had been in hospice care since February 2023, was the longest-living U.S. president.

Carter, who served from 1977-81 as the 39th U.S. president, was a devout Baptist, and faith played a large role in his life. He even taught Sunday school in retirement. Carter was also the first U.S. president to host a pope at the White House.

“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 through the Carter Center. “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.”

The Carter Center said there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington in the late president’s memory, followed by private interment in Plains. The statement said more information would be released in coming days.

Faith leaders remember Carter’s legacy

Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer of Atlanta said in a message of condolence that “President and Mrs. Carter exemplified the Christian faith.”

“Whether it was traveling the globe to advance democracy and champion human rights, or building houses with Habitat for Humanity and teaching Sunday school in Plains, Georgia, they made the world a better place,” Archbishop Hartmayer said. “Among the many honors that President Carter received were the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999, and the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. With Rosalynn at his side, he always used these opportunities to teach by example what it means to be a servant-leader. Through the work of The Carter Center, they will continue to inspire generations to come.”

“While the world mourns the passing of a tireless advocate for peace and justice and the nation, a much-respected leader, the Carter family grieves the death of a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,” he added.

Family and personal life

Carter was predeceased by his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who died November 19, 2023, at 96. The couple was married for more than 77 years. He is survived by three sons: John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), and Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff); one daughter, Amy Lynn; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

On Feb. 18, 2023, the Carter Center announced that following “a series of short hospital stays,” Carter had “decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention.”

During his time in hospice care, Carter attended funeral services for his late wife.

Early life and presidency

James Earl Carter Jr. was born October 1, 1924, in Plains. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and married Rosalynn the same year.

He returned to Plains, worked in peanut farming, and entered state politics, becoming governor of Georgia before winning the Democratic nomination for president in 1976. He served one term as president.

As president, Carter advocated for a government that was “competent and compassionate,” prompting civil service and environmental reforms.

Presidential legacy and achievements

He lost his reelection bid amid rising consumer costs and foreign policy setbacks, including the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979. His foreign policy accomplishments included the Panama Canal treaties and a treaty between Egypt and Israel known as the Camp David Accords.

In 2002, Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Committee said Carter earned the prize “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”

National tributes and recognition

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a joint statement on December 29, “Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.”

The Bidens added that the “love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism. We will miss them both dearly but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts.”

Biden scheduled an official state funeral in Washington for Carter on January 9, 2025, with a National Day of Mourning the same day, and ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days after his death.

Humanitarian work and Catholic connections

The Carters were advocates of Habitat for Humanity, building affordable housing as construction volunteers. Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, said, “President and Mrs. Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity near their home in southwest Georgia more than 40 years ago, and soon brought worldwide attention to the need for decent and affordable housing.”

Carter hosted Pope John Paul II at the White House on October 6, 1979, during the pope’s first U.S. visit, making him the first pontiff to visit the White House.

During remarks thanking the pope, Carter said, “As human beings each acting for justice in the present — and striving together for a common future of peace and love — let us not wait so long for ourselves and for you to meet again. Welcome to our country, our new friend.” The pope embraced the president.

Carter later visited Pope John Paul II at the Vatican on June 24, 1980.