After being in hospice care for 16 months and struggling with various health issues, Jimmy Carter died at age 100 on December 29, 2024. The former president passed away in his home in Plains, Georgia, and will be buried alongside his late wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter. Keep reading to learn more about his burial updates, what family members had to say about Carter and his health journey over the years.
The Carter Center shared the news of Jimmy Carter’s passing
The 39th president of the United States of America, Nobel Laureate and humanitarian Jimmy Carter died peacefully. He was the longest-living president in U.S. history and is survived by four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son, in a statement. “My brothers, sister and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
Jimmy Carter will be buried alongside late wife Rosalynn
Jimmy Carter will rest in peace beside the former First Lady Rosalynn Carter at their home in Georgia. The pair built the house in 1961 and never lived anywhere else except for the White House during Carter’s presidency.
The house in Plains features a pond that Jimmy Carter dug himself and a magnolia tree that was moved from a sprout Andrew Jackson planted on the White House lawn almost 200 years ago. The gravestones will be by a willow tree at the pond’s edge.
Instead of flowers, the Carter family has asked that donations be made to the Carter Center. The public can visit President Jimmy Carter’s official tribute website, which includes an online condolence book and materials that honor his life and legacy.
A look at Jimmy Carter’s health journey
Carter had been receiving hospice care at his home since February 2023. Rosalynn, diagnosed with dementia earlier that year, also entered hospice care shortly before her death on November 19, 2023. In a poignant moment, Carter left hospice to attend her funeral, touching many who saw him in a wheelchair, covered by a blanket embroidered with “The Carters.”
The former president’s last public appearance was just before his 99th birthday at the Plains Peanut Festival. A video on X (formerly Twitter) showed the couple riding through the festival in an SUV. They celebrated together one last time in their beloved hometown. Plains, Georgia, remains a central part of the Carter legacy.
At the time, plans for his funeral had already begun, which included a state ceremony in Washington, D.C., and a service in Plains. The Carters’ home, where they had lived since 1961, will become a donation to the National Park Service. According to the Carter Center, “The final arrangements for President Carter’s state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are still pending.”
Jimmy Carter’s life in hospice care
Carter experienced significant physical challenges but spent his days watching baseball and cherishing family visits. His health had been a topic of public concern, especially since entering hospice. Grandson Josh Carter described his grandfather to People in August as being in “the final chapter” but still fully himself. Jimmy Carter continued to feel the love and well-wishes from those around him until his passing.
In February 2023, the Carter Center announced in a statement that Jimmy Carter had chosen to forego further medical intervention in favor of hospice care. This decision came after several hospital stays and treatments for metastatic melanoma in 2015, which he overcame with remarkable strength. Jimmy had the full support of his family and medical team.
