• Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100
  • He served one term as US president in the late ’70s
  • Figures from politics and entertainment tribute
Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter. Credit: Imago

Tributes are pouring in for the former US president Jimmy Carter, who has died at the age of 100.

The non-profit organisation the Carter Center confirmed his passing on December 29. He was the longest-lived president in the US history. Carter was in the White House for one term between 1977 and 1981 before Ronald Reagan took over.

Post-presidency, he became a notable advocate for human rights and global health. Carter later won the Nobel peace prize in 2002 for “decades of untiring effort” for human rights and peacemaking.

The “Rock N’ Roll President”

Away from his humanitarian work, Carter had a great love of music and was keen to emphasise music’s importance in bringing people together.

People often referred to him as the ‘Rock N’ Roll President’ both for his affinity for music and for the friendships he had with musicians. Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and the Allman Brothers all had close ties to the 39th president.

While he was in office, Carter often hosted concerts in the White House. Dolly Parton, Charles Mingus, Willie Nelson and Crosby, Stills and Nash were some of the names who stopped by to perform.

He celebrated his 100th birthday in September with performances from Killer Mike, Drive-by Truckers, Eric Church and more.

Killer Mike was among those paying tribute. “RIP: President Jimmy Carter as a Georgian, Southerner and Advocate for who deserve the dignity of decent shelter i am honored to say I have known a ‘Good Man’ who truly made a difference in a wicked world,” he wrote. “May God bless your legacy always.”

“A man not only for our times, but for all times”

Outgoing President Joe Biden led the tributes, writing on X/Twitter: “Over six decades, Jill and I had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend.

“But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.

“When I look at Jimmy Carter, I see a man not only for our times, but for all times. A man who embodied the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away.

“And while we may never see his likes again, we would all do well to try to be a little more like Jimmy Carter.”

Barack Obama added: “President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man.”

“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,” Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.”

author avatar
Emma Wilkes
Hey its emmawilkes.
See Full Bio
social network icon social network icon