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Former President Jimmy Carter, a man whose life embodied service, humility, and resilience, passed away Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. The Carter Center confirmed his death, noting his decision nearly two years ago to forgo medical treatment following a series of health challenges. At 100 years old, Carter was the longest-living president in American history.
Known for his deep faith and unyielding commitment to humanitarian efforts, Carter’s legacy extends far beyond his single term in office. His rise from peanut farmer to naval officer, governor, and president showcased the potential of the American Dream. Elected as a reformist antidote to the disillusionment of the Watergate era, Carter’s presidency was marked by challenges, including soaring inflation, the Iran hostage crisis, and energy shortages. Yet, his administration also achieved critical milestones, such as the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel and strategic arms limitation agreements with the Soviet Union.
In Alabama, leaders and organizations honored Carter’s remarkable life and enduring legacy. Senator Katie Britt, R-Ala., lauded Carter’s journey and post-presidential contributions, stating: “From his time tending to his family farm in our neighboring Georgia to being leader of the free world, President Jimmy Carter lived a life deeply rooted in faith and service above self. As a native of the Wiregrass, I have always been especially inspired by this small-town peanut farmer’s journey. President Carter truly lived the American Dream. However, it was his servant leadership after his presidency for which I respect him most. Alongside his beloved wife, Rosalynn, President Carter for decades gave every ounce of his devotion to lifting up vulnerable Americans and empowering them with the opportunity to pursue their own success stories… They leave behind not only an enduring legacy of faithfulness, but a clarion charge for generations to come to honor and emulate. Wesley and I join families across Alabama in praying for the Carter family as they mourn the loss of a loving father and grandfather, and as our fellow Americans and people around the globe celebrate the life of an uncommonly genuine, good, and kind man.”
The Southern Poverty Law Center recognized Carter’s unwavering commitment to human rights and equality, with SPLC President and CEO Margaret Huang stating: “Jimmy Carter was an unparalleled force for peace and justice… Even when it made him unpopular, he led with his values — and with his fierce conviction that America could always be better, especially for those who have been left out and left behind for too long. After leaving the White House, President Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter carried on their life’s work to house the unsheltered, expand health care access, and defend free and fair elections through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity… In honor of President Carter, we must all do our part to preserve and strengthen human rights at home and abroad.”
Randy Kelley, chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, described Carter as “an extraordinary human being,” stating: “As a Nobel Peace Prize winner, U.S. Navy veteran, State Senator, Governor of Georgia, and 39th President of the United States, President Carter has certainly secured his place in the history books. But it is his humanitarian efforts that were most remarkable… President Carter led by example and continued to shape the world long after his presidency came to end. The Alabama Democratic Party expresses our deepest sympathy to his family and friends on their immense loss.”
Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels said Carter’s life demonstrated the very essence of “servant leadership,” leaving behind “a legacy of service to others.”
“(U)ntil the age of 96, he taught Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia,” Daniels said of Carter. “People from all over the world came to hear his inspiring lessons about the transformative power of faith and how to make the world a better place. He spent his life humbly demonstrating his unwavering commitment to helping those less fortunate in his community and throughout the world. He was a man of deep conviction whose benevolent and generous actions spoke far louder than his words.”
As tributes pour in from across Alabama and beyond, the life of Jimmy Carter stands as a testament to the power of faith, humility, and a relentless commitment to service. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
