Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, leaves behind a complex legacy. While his single term as the 39th US president may have garnered mixed reviews, his post-presidency humanitarian efforts earned him global recognition and admiration.

A 2023 Gallup poll revealed that 57% of Americans approved of Carter's performance as president, placing him in the bottom half of presidential rankings, comparable to George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, but above Richard Nixon and Donald Trump. However, his consistent presence on Gallup's "Most Admired Man" list, appearing 29 times between 1946 and 2020, speaks volumes about his enduring impact.

Carter's dedication to peace and human rights was acknowledged with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. The Nobel committee highlighted his pivotal role in mediating the 1978 peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, as well as his continuous efforts towards peaceful conflict resolution, democracy promotion, and socioeconomic development, often diverging from official US policy.

The Carter Center, established with his wife Rosalynn in 1982, has become a leading force in election observation, overseeing more than 113 elections across Africa, Latin America, and Asia since 1989. The Center's public health initiatives, particularly in combating Guinea worm disease in Africa, have achieved remarkable success, reducing reported cases to a mere 14 in 2021.

Reagan biographer and historian Craig Shirley lauded Carter as "one of the best ex-presidents of the 20th century," emphasizing his significant contributions through the Carter Center, his literary works, and his charitable endeavors.