Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States, peanut farmer extraordinaire, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, has left this mortal peanut patch. His son, Jimmy Carter III (a.k.a. Chip—because, why not?), confirmed the news on Sunday, leaving America clutching its collective pearls.
The Carter Center told TMZ that the former president passed away at home, surrounded by family. Fitting for the longest-living former president in history—Jimmy clearly knew how to go out with style and grace.
In February 2023, the news broke that Carter had entered hospice care after yo-yoing in and out of hospitals. His grandson shared updates, revealing the ex-prez was no longer staying awake daily—relatable, really. Yet, even in his twilight, Carter was still cracking jokes in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Turns out, gallows humor runs deep in the Carter genes.
President Joe Biden revealed that Carter had asked him to deliver his eulogy, officially making this the most “aw shucks” request ever made by a former commander-in-chief.
A Health Saga with Southern Charm
Carter’s health challenges were like an epic Netflix series. In 2015, he faced down cancer like a champ. Then came a broken hip in 2019, followed by a brain procedure after some rather dramatic falls—proving that even gravity couldn’t keep this Georgia boy down for long.
Born and raised in Georgia, Carter’s political career kicked off in the ’60s as a state senator. By 1970, he became Governor of Georgia, starting his term by announcing that racial discrimination was so over. Segregationists who’d voted for him promptly clutched their pearls—because Carter had run a conservative campaign, only to pull a political uno-reverse on them.
From Peanut Farmer to POTUS
Carter launched his presidential campaign as a total underdog but went on to beat Gerald Ford in the 1976 election. Along the way, he scandalized the nation by confessing to lusting in his heart during a Playboy interview. This was the 1970s, so the mere idea of private thoughts caused a national tizzy.
Once in office, Carter faced economic turbulence, energy crises, and one epic win: brokering peace between Egypt and Israel in 1979. This feat was so big it made him an international diplomacy icon. Unfortunately, his final year as president was overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis, which gave Ronald Reagan an easy win in the 1980 election.
Post-Presidency MVP
After leaving the White House, Carter didn’t settle for post-presidency golf like some. Nope, he founded The Carter Center in 1982, dedicating himself to human rights and humanitarian work. He even snagged the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, the ultimate power couple, also became the face of Habitat for Humanity. Their 77-year marriage set relationship goals, and fun fact: Carter was the first U.S. president born in a hospital—proving Plains, Georgia, was ahead of its time.
Final Curtain Call
Rosalynn, diagnosed with dementia, passed away just last month at age 96. Jimmy attended her funeral, draped in a blanket with her face on it—a move so sweet it probably made Cupid weep.
Now, at 100, Carter has joined Rosalynn. He leaves behind four children, a bunch of grandkids, and a legacy bigger than a Georgia peach orchard. Jimmy Carter, you’ll always be our favorite peanut farmer turned world leader. RIP.