The former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter, known for the tumultuous Iran hostage crisis that marked his presidency, has passed away at the age of 100. He was under hospice care for nearly two years prior to his demise.

“Surrounded by his loved ones, the 39th president of the United States and laureate of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, Mr. Carter, bid farewell on December 29th, at his home in Plains, Georgia,” announced the Carter Center in Georgia.

Current U.S. President, Joe Biden, honored Carter’s legacy saying, “We have lost an exemplary leader, statesman, and philanthropist in both America and the world.” He also designated January 9th, the day of Carter’s funeral, as a national day of mourning.

Despite the difficulties faced during his presidency, such as an inability to control soaring inflation and release American hostages held in Iran, Carter’s post-presidential life was widely acclaimed for his worldwide humanitarian efforts.

Upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Carter emphasized the power of choice in his acceptance speech, stating, “We have the ability to alleviate suffering and work collaboratively for peace. These changes are within our grasp – and it’s critical we make them.” He was the first ex-U.S. president to receive this prestigious award.

Barack Obama, the former President, commended Carter as a symbol of “decency”. Obama added that Carter’s humble upbringing as a peanut farmer in poverty served as a lesson in leading a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.

President-elect Donald Trump also paid homage to Carter, praising his efforts during challenging times for the nation, via his Truth Social platform.

As a sign of respect, New York City’s iconic Empire State Building was illuminated in the colors of the American flag. Carter is fondly remembered for his role in brokering a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, and his post-presidential humanitarian work that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.

However, his presidency from 1977 to 1981 was largely overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis. The crisis began in 1979 when the U.S.-backed shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was overthrown during the Islamic Revolution, leading to the rise of a group of clerics led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Carter’s decision to grant asylum to the ailing shah enraged many Iranians.

The situation escalated in late 1979 when Iranian students, allegedly supported by Khomeini, stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. They demanded the return of the shah and an apology for the U.S.’s past actions in Iran.

Despite the crisis, Carter remained firm, refusing to give in to the hostage-takers. His attempts to negotiate proved futile, leading to a failed rescue mission in April 1980 that resulted in the tragic loss of eight U.S. soldiers.

The hostage crisis significantly impacted the 1980 presidential election, contributing to Carter’s defeat by Ronald Reagan. In a final blow to Carter, Iran released the hostages on the day he left office and Reagan was inaugurated.

Despite these setbacks, Carter had several accomplishments during his presidency, including establishing an effective national energy policy, creating millions of new jobs, and reforming the civil service. He brokered the 1978 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, which earned Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin the Nobel Peace Prize.

Carter’s wife, Rosalynn, predeceased him, passing away in November 2023 at the age of 96.