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Micah 6:8 says “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” That was the verse President Jimmy Carter used in his 1977 inaugural address. It was also, he said later, what sparked his work with human rights, international relations and, the piece people remember him most for, building houses with Habitat for Humanity. That work came to an end on Sunday, Dec. 29, as the Carter Center announced President Carter had passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100. 

Carter, who had been the longest living president in U.S. history, only served one term in office before losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980. His struggles in the office are well known, including dealing with gas shortages and the Iranian hostage crisis. But it’s the work after his presidency that he’s known for. In 1982, Carter founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization set up to advance human rights and alleviate human suffering. That includes improving the quality of life for people in more than 80 countries, according to the United Nations, mainly through eradicating infectious diseases. The World Health Organization shows that Guinea worm disease had 3.5 million reported cases in the mid-1980s across Africa and Asia. After the Center provided vaccines and other changes, such as teaching about hygiene, the number dropped to 25 in 2016 and just four in 2024. The Center also is credited with helping to cure river blindness and trachoma. 

Beyond the Center, Carter also worked as a peace negotiator between multiple countries, as well as an elections observer and a hostage negotiator. In 1989, he produced evidence that Manuel Noriega had stolen the election in Panama. That was soon forgotten, however, as Noriega was captured by U.S. forces and extradited to Miami, where he faced charges of racketeering, drug smuggling and money laundering. Noriega was eventually sentenced to 40 years in prison, of which he served 17. 

Carter is also credited with helping in 2010 to get North Korea to release American teacher Aijalon Gomes. 

Reflecting on the impact of Jimmy Carter

This was also an example of a man who brought both Republicans and Democrats out to praise his efforts and mourn his loss. Virginia officials pointed to the multiple ways Carter impacted lives, on a small scale as well as a larger one. Virginia Sen. Mark Warner recalls how Carter gave him his first job out of law school. 

He also pointed to Carter’s work with Habitat, saying the former president will be known for what he built.  

“Like much of the Greatest Generation, President Carter will be remembered by what he built and left behind for us – a model of service late into life, a tireless devotion to family and philanthropy, and a more peaceful world to call home,” Warner said. “Jimmy Carter blazed a trail from the peanut fields of Plains, Georgia to the Navy, the Governor’s Mansion, the White House, and to a remarkable post-presidential career – modeling leadership, philanthropy, and love of country every step of the way. We lost a giant.” 

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin referenced Carter’s dedication to his faith as something that inspired. While most of us are used to saying “born again” in reference to the Christian faith, it wasn’t used in public discussion until 1976. That’s when Carter started mentioning it on the campaign trail, referring to John 3:3. 

“His faith was always inspiring to others,” Youngkin said in a statement posted on social media. “He served our country in the Navy, as a Georgia state senator, and as the Governor of Georgia. May he rest in peace.” 

Carter’s fellow Naval officer, Virginia Speaker of the House Don Scott, said the former president was a rare combination. 

“He was more than just a former president; he was a true example of decency and humility,” Scott said. “As a fellow naval officer, I’ve always felt a personal connection to his journey—from the small town of Plains, Georgia, to the White House, and beyond. His humility and dedication have always inspired me to serve with the understanding that there are so many less fortunate than myself.

“President Carter’s commitment to human rights, his tireless work for peace, and his deep sense of moral clarity were not just hallmarks of his presidency, but of his entire life. He lived by a standard that showed us all what it means to be filled with kindness, to act with empathy, and to give without expecting anything in return.” 

What happens next? 

Any current president, previous president or president-elect is entitled to a state funeral. That typically involves a funeral procession down Pennsylvania Avenue, lying in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda and a memorial service, typically at the National Cathedral. The exact date and time of these things hasn’t been announced yet. 

President Joe Biden has proclaimed Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning, calling on Americans to “pay homage to the memory” of President Jimmy Carter. Public services will be held in Atlanta and Washington. D.C., according to the Carter Center. The group also said a funeral and burial will be held in Carter’s hometown in Georgia. 

For more about Carter’s death, our sister paper near his hometown is covering the situation.