Former US President Jimmy Carter has died at age 100, the centre he founded has confirmed.
The former peanut farmer lived longer than any president in history and celebrated his 100th birthday in October.
The Carter Centre, which advocates for democracy and human rights around the world, said he died on Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia.
The Democrat served as president from 1977 to 1981, a period beset by economic and diplomatic crises.
After leaving the White House with low approval ratings, his reputation was restored through humanitarian work which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” his son, Chip Carter, said in a statement.
“The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
Carter, who served as governor of Georgia, a U.S. Navy lieutenant, and a farmer before becoming president, is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
His wife, Rosalynn, to whom he was married for 77 years, passed away in November 2023.
Since the passing of George H.W. Bush in 2018, Carter held the distinction of being the oldest living former U.S. president.
In his condolence message on X, the Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi described Carter as a leader whose unwavering support for Nigeria and Africa was evident during the fight against diseases such as guinea worm and river blindness.
“Today, the world mourns the passing of President Jimmy Carter of the United States of America, a leader whose life was a testament to service, humility, and an unwavering commitment to humanity. For us in Nigeria, and indeed across Africa, his contributions were not just distant policies but direct interventions that saved lives, transformed communities, and inspired generations.
“President Carter’s relentless fight against diseases such as Guinea worm and river blindness through The Carter Center will forever remain etched in the annals of global health advocacy. His work reached into some of the most marginalized and vulnerable communities in Africa, demonstrating that leadership transcends borders when driven by compassion.
“In Nigeria, his initiatives brought hope and relief to countless citizens. Through his advocacy and the empowerment of local systems, he provided tools for sustainable development. Beyond health, his deep-seated belief in democracy and justice resonated with those fighting for freedom and equality worldwide. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the American people, and all who cherished his profound legacy. May he rest in peace, having fought the good fight and finished his race with grace,” Peter Obi tweeted.
