12 highlights of the life of Jimmy Carter, the longest lived US President
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died on Sunday at the age of 100, making history as the longest lived former occupant of the White House, surpassing the longevity of George H.W. Bush.
Carter died in Plains, Georgia, US where he was born, surrounded by family.
Below are 12 highlights of the life and legacy of the humble man who took to farming before and after he mounted the most powerful office in the world.
- Early life and education
Carter was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. He was the first US President to be born in a hospital. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1946 and served in the Navy until 1953.
- Political career
He began his political career as a Georgia State Senator from 1963 to 1967. He later served as Governor from 1971 to 1975 and was elected President in 1976, a post in which he served a single term until 1981.
- First sitting US President to visit Nigeria
Carter made history as the first sitting US President ever to visit Nigeria in 1978.
- Camp David Accords
One of his significant presidential achievements was brokering the Camp David Accords in 1978, leading to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
- Humanitarian work
After his presidency, Carter co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 with his wife Rosalynn. The organisation focuses on human rights, democracy promotion, and disease eradication worldwide.
- Nobel Peace Prize
In recognition of his extensive humanitarian efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
- Habitat for Humanity
Carter was actively involved with Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organisation that builds affordable housing for those in need, reflecting his commitment to service.
- Health Challenges
In 2015, at the age of 91, Carter was diagnosed with melanoma that had spread to his brain and liver. He, however, underwent treatment and later announced that he was cancer-free. Before his death on December 29, Carter had been in home hospice care since February 2023 after a series of short hospital stays.
- Longest-lived former US President
Carter became the longest-living former US president in history, reaching 100 years and 89 days before his passing. He surpassed the record held by George H.W. Bush who died at age 94 in November 2018.
- Advocate for peace and democracy
Throughout his post-presidential years, the peanut farmer was a global advocate for peace, democracy, and human rights, often engaging in election monitoring and conflict resolution around the world.
- Farmer through and through
Before he became President, Carter was a peanut farmer on a field inherited from his ancestors. And after he left the White House, he returned to peanut farming.
- Legacy of service
Carter’s life was marked by a steadfast commitment to public service, both during and after his presidency, leaving an enduring impact on humanitarian efforts worldwide.
He vowed to restore morality and truth to politics after an era of White House scandal.
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