President Carter's passing marks the end of an era for the United States
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, a Georgia peanut farmer, died peacefully on Sunday, December 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100 years old, becoming the longest-lived president in U.S. history.
Surrounded by his family, Carter passed away after a life of service marked by his dedication to peace, human rights, and humanitarian efforts worldwide.
He was the last farmer to serve as president. Carter, a Democrat who served from 1977 to 1981, was not only known for his leadership in the White House but also for his post-presidential work that continued to inspire generations.
Farming played a central role in the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, shaping both his upbringing and his political journey. Carter took over his parents' 360-acre farm in Plains, Georgia, located in the southwestern part of the state. The farm, where he grew up, was primarily focused on peanuts, a crop that later became a symbol of Carter’s agrarian roots as his political career took off.
In addition to peanuts, Carter's farm produced cotton, corn, and various other crops. The farm also raised livestock, including cattle, chickens, and hogs, embodying the hard-working, rural values that Carter carried throughout his life.
“President Carter’s agricultural roots prepared him to serve this country with grace and compassion through a difficult time and continue his humanitarian efforts for the remainder of his life,” said NFU President Rob Larew in a media release. “The fact that a humble peanut farmer from Georgia can hold the highest office in this country is a testament to the strength and value of the voice of family farmers and ranchers everywhere. We send our condolences to the Carter family and join the rest of the nation in remembering this great man.”
In 1992, NFU presented Carter with the Meritorious Service Award to Humanity, the highest honor given by Farmers Union.
Today, Carter’s family farm has been preserved as part of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site and is managed by the National Park Service. The site stands as a reminder to Carter's humble beginnings and the farming community that influenced his worldview and public service.
His administration was defined by the Camp David Accords, which brokered peace between Egypt and Israel, and by his tireless advocacy for global health, democracy, and human rights through initiatives like the Carter Center.
The former president is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy — 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away earlier in 2024, and one grandchild.
In a statement, Chip Carter, the former president's son, described his father as a hero who embodied the values of peace and compassion. "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love," Chip Carter said. "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."
Plans for President Carter’s funeral include public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia, where he lived after his presidency. Arrangements for the state funeral, including details of public events and motorcade routes, will be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region. Updates can be found at https://jtfncr.mdw.army.mil/statefunerals/.
President Carter's passing marks the end of an era for the United States, but his profound impact on global peace and humanitarian work will continue to resonate for years to come.
Photo: President Carter on his 85th Birthday.
Photo Credit: The Carter Center