Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Passes Away at 100 - Architect of Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a key architect of the historic Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty, has passed away at the age of 100. His death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to public service, diplomacy, and humanitarian work. Carter died peacefully in hospice care on Sunday evening, surrounded by his family.

Carter, who served as president from 1977 to 1981, is perhaps best remembered for his role in brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt in 1978. The landmark peace agreement, which was signed on the White House lawn by Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, earned Carter the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to promote peace in the Middle East.

In addition to his diplomatic work, Carter was also the first U.S. president to come from the Deep South since Andrew Jackson in 1837, serving as the Governor of Georgia before his presidency. His time in office was marked by challenges such as the Iranian Hostage Crisis and economic difficulties, but he continued to be highly respected for his post-presidency work in peace-building, human rights, and health initiatives.

Final Public Appearance

Despite entering hospice care earlier this year due to melanoma that had spread to his liver and brain, Carter made a rare public appearance about a year ago at a ceremony in memory of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 96. The couple had been married for 77 years, the longest marriage in U.S. presidential history.

Carter, then 99, attended the ceremony in a wheelchair, accompanied by his four children, including Chip Carter, who spoke at the event. President Joe Biden and former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter were among the dignitaries present, reflecting the widespread respect for the Carter family.

A Lifelong Commitment to Humanitarian Causes

Beyond his presidential legacy, Carter and his wife Rosalynn continued to be deeply involved in humanitarian work after leaving the White House. In 1982, they founded the Carter Center, which works to promote mental health, global health, and peace efforts around the world. The Center is particularly known for its work in immunization, disease eradication, and conflict resolution.

Carter's commitment to improving mental health services, particularly for the marginalized, was a central part of his life’s work. As Georgia’s First Lady, Rosalynn Carter championed mental health reform, and as First Lady of the U.S., she was instrumental in the passage of the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, which helped to fund community mental health services.

A Private Funeral Service to Follow

In his final years, Carter remained active in his work with the Carter Center and continued to support causes related to global health and human rights. After the service for Rosalynn, Carter was expected to return to Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife spent much of their life after the presidency.

A private funeral service for the family and close friends will be held on Wednesday morning at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. Carter will be laid to rest beside his wife at the Carter Estate, part of the national historic park dedicated to their legacy.

Carter's enduring commitment to peace, human rights, and global health, as well as his personal dedication to his family, will continue to inspire for generations to come.