Islamabad: Former US President Jimmy Carter has died aged 100.
His foundation announced that the Nobel-wining philanthropist and businessman died on Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia, the US.
His son remembered him as “a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love”.
Carter served as the 39th president for one term from 1977 until 1981 and was the longest-lived president in US history, BBC reported.
Last year he began receiving hospice care at home after suffering health issues, including a melanoma that spread to his liver and brain
“Too many Carters”
Navy officer, politician, evangelist, Businessman, author, woodworker, negotiator and citizen of the world — Carter stood out as the most distinguishable among former US presidents.
“My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said.
Tributes pour in
According to BBC, US President Joe Biden described Carter as “a man of principle, faith and humility”.
Former president Bill Clinton said Carter “lived to serve others”.
President-elect Donald Trump said Americans owe Carter a “debt of gratitude”.
According to Al Jazeera, French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first world leaders to react to the death, saying Carter “has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer added that Carter “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad”.
National day of mourning
US President Joe Biden directed that January 9 will be a national day of mourning throughout the United States for Carter.
The White House statement quoted the US president as saying “I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter”.
Carter’s last birthday celebrations
The Carter family celebrated the former president’s 100th birthday just months ago.
To honour the occasion, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity – the housing charity Carter has worked with for 40 years – built 30 homes in Minnesota in October.
Several events were organised in Plains, the former Georgia governor’s hometown, to mark the 1 October milestone, including a US naturalisation ceremony for 100 people from 30 separate countries, according to BBC.
“It was an incredible evening, full of good music and heartfelt tributes, and it made history as the first-ever 100th birthday celebration for a living American president,” Carter said at the time.
