Former US President Jimmy Carter dies aged 100 as tributes pour in for Nobel Peace Prize winner

The former US president was the first Georgian ever elected to the White House, leaving office after a single term during which he helped forge peace between Israel and Egypt.

In the decades after his term ended, his reputation grew through his work at the Carter Center in Atlanta and his philanthropic causes such as Habitat for Humanity.

Carter was born in Plains on October 1, 1924. After a career in the Navy, the former president turned to politics, where he first ran for school board, then state senator.

He was elected Governor of Georgia in 1970, where he served a successful term before running for president.

He won the Democratic nomination and then defeated Republican President Gerald Ford in 1976.

During his inauguration, rather than driving past the crowds in a limousine, the former president and his wife Rosalynn emerged from the car with their daughter Amy and walked down Pennsylvania Avenue, waving and holding hands.

His success as president was marked by reestablishing the government’s credibility after the Watergate Crisis and helping forge the Camp David, creating peace between Egypt and Israel.

However, this was overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis, where Iranian militants stormed the US Embassy in Tehran, taking American hostages.

Carter failed to resolve the situation until the last day of his presidency.

The rise of the Republican party under Ronald Reagan and a floundering economy contributed to his defeat in 1980.

Carter then returned to Plains and began volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, building houses for the poor.

He then founded the Carter Center with his wife Rosalynn, focused on making peace and spreading health and democracy around the world.

Because of his work as president and leader of the Carter Center he won the Nobel Peace Prize and the United Nations Human Rights Prize amongst other notable awards.

Jimmy and Rosalynn were also both awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton.

Carter was the oldest living US president. One of his last public appearances was at his wife's funeral in November 2023.

The former president also cast a ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris this past election.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Carter’s death - less than 30 days before Donald Trump’s swearing in - means the American flag will fly half-staff on Inauguration Day.

Public observances will be held in Atlanta and Washington, while the schedule for the state funeral is yet to be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region.

Tributes have begun to pour in for the late president, with his son Chip saying: "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.

"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."

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have released a statement calling Carter an “extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.”

They said: “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.”

They added: “He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.

“To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world.”

They finished by confirming that an official state funeral will be held in Washington DC for the 39th President.

President-elect Donald Trump took to social media and paid his own tribute following the news of Carter's death.

He said: “Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.

"The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude."

Sir Keir Starmer has also paid tribute to the former US president, saying he “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad”.

Writing on X, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said that Jimmy Carter “set the standard for post-presidential service.”

“I join all Americans in saluting President Carter’s lifetime of service,” he wrote.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell remembered the president as someone who “lived a truly American dream.”

He noted in a statement that Carter “served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad.”

“But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable,” McConnell added.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp praised the former president on social media, noting his love for his home state.

He said: “As the only American president thus far to come from Georgia, he showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country.

“And as a son of Plains, he always valued Georgians and the virtues of our state, choosing to return to his rural home after his time in public office."

Former Vice President Mike Pence said on X: “Jimmy Carter lived out his Christian faith and values with integrity and devotion.

"His work on humanitarian causes at home and abroad impacted the lives of millions and will inspire generations.”