Former President Jimmy Carter has died.
The Carter Center released a statement saying Carter died Sunday Afternoon at his home in Plains Georgia.
Carter was 100 years old.
Ivan Rodriguez is in Plains, Georgia with a look back at Carter’s life and legacy.
We’re right in the heart of Plains, Georgia and right behind me in those storefronts you could go inside and talk to the store owner, and probably they’d share a story of how Jimmy Carter impacted them and how he impacted this
town here of Plains. Part of his legacy is how he was able to reinvent the concept of the post Presidency
From a small town Georgia Peanut Farmer to President of the United States.
“I’m Jimmy Carter.”
Jimmy Carter aspired to make government competent and compassionate.
“Our social and political progress has been based on one fundamental principle the value and importance of the individual.”
After 7 years as a Naval Officer, he returned home to Plains Georgia before entering into politics, eventually being elected Governor of Georgia, using the platform to speak out against racism.
“I say to you, quite frankly, that the time for racial discrimination is over”.
Becoming President in 1977, his achievements were notable, including the Camp David Peace Accords in 1978, the framework for peace between Israel and Egypt.
But there were dark days too, including the Iran Hostage Crisis that, together with the continuing inflation at home and an energy shortage, contributed to Ronald Reagan’s landslide victory in 1980.
Jimmy and his wife Rosalynn founded the Carter Center in 1982 promoting peace, democracy, human rights, and economic and social development all over the world.
In 2002, his work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.
A devout Christian, his life was largely defined by his faith and service to others.
He spent decades teaching Sunday School in the small town where he was raised and volunteering with Habitat For Humanity
“I love you.”
Leaves behind a legacy of love.
Married 77 years before his beloved Rosalynn’s passing in November 2023 calling their marriage the ‘pinnacle’ of his life.
“Well, the best thing I ever did was marrying Rosalynn.”
Messages have poured in from around the World since Carter’s passing. The official State Funeral in Washington, DC for Carter will be held on January 9th.
That’s the same day President Biden has called for a day of mourning.