Politicians and leaders in the United States and across the world have condoled with the family of the former US 39th President, Jimmy Carter, who passed on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 at his home in Georgia.

Carter, a Democrat, served a single term of four years from 1977 to 1981, losing a reelection bid to Ronald Reagan.

His death was announced by his family members and the US president, Joe Biden, while at home, where he has been receiving health care since February 2023. Carter’s death comes barely one year after the passing on of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023.

President Biden said in an official statement that America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian, as well as a man of “great character and courage, hope and optimism,” who worked tirelessly to ensure peace and unity both in the US and globally.

“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe,” Biden said.

Due to his love for peace, Carter founded the Carter Center in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy, which helped him receive the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts with the foundation to promote peace and human rights around the world.

The Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi described Carter’s life as an inspiration to all peace lovers and a service to humanity who prioritized human rights and peace globally. 

“In this moment of sorrow, I extend my sincerest condolences to the family of former American President Jimmy Carter, as well as to the president and the people of the United States of America. Carter was a symbol of humanitarian and diplomatic efforts; his deep belief in peace and justice has inspired many individuals and institutions around the world to follow his path,” Fattah said.

Biden has ordered American flags to be flown at half-mast for 30 days to mark Carter’s death as well as mark January 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning for the former US President.

Carter is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.