(Gray News)— Former President Jimmy Carter, who redefined post-presidency, died Sunday at the age of 100.

The Carter Center announced the death of the 39th president.

“Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said in the post.

According to the statement, he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. No cause of death has been announced at this time.

Carter’s death came after a February 2023 announcement that he had decided to enter hospice care and spend his remaining time at home with family after a series of short hospital stays.

Carter served in the White House from 1977 to 1981.

He served as a Georgia state senator from 1963 to 1967 and governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975.

Carter’s wife, Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, had died Nov. 19, 2023, just days before the center announced he was admitted into hospice care.

The couple had been married for 77 years as of July 2023.

One of the couple’s last public appearances together came on Sept. 23, when they drove through the annual Plains Peanut Festival. The Carters have visited the Plains Peanut Festival before, which celebrates the presidential couple and the region’s cash crop.

Officials release statements on the former president’s passing

Upon hearing the news of Carter’s death, a number of U.S. politicians released statements expressing their condolences.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said “the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesmen and humanitarian.”

“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” the president and first lady said in part. “We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.”

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said he and his wife wished to send their condolences to the Carter family.

“I am saddened to learn about the passing of President Jimmy Carter,” he said. “I join all Americans in saluting President Carter for his lifetime of service, first as a naval officer, then as a senator in the Georgia legislature, then as Governor of Georgia, and, finally, as President of the United States. Jimmy Carter set the standard for post-presidential service through his work with Habitat for Humanity.”

President-elect Donald Trump released a statement on Truth Social saying to keep the Carter family and their loved ones in their hearts and prayers.

“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,” Trump said. “For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”

Senator Jon Ossoff, who holds office in Carter’s home state, said people around the world will forever admire Carter for his contributions to the country and global community.

“Among his lifetime of service and countless accomplishments, President Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family,” Ossoff said.

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