Former President Jimmy Carter passed away on Dec. 29, surrounded by family members at his residence in Plains, Georgia.
The 39th president of the United States was been under hospice care since February 2023, following a series of short hospital stays. He and his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, were married for 77 years, the longest marriage in presidential history.
Mrs. Carter passed away on Nov. 19, 2023, at 96 years old. The couple had four children, 22 grandchildren (one deceased), and great-grandchildren.
“He and my father Billy Graham had a close relationship, and we were honored to have him join us for the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte in 2007,” Franklin Graham shared on social media. “I know that his family would appreciate your prayers.”
At 100, Carter was the longest-living U.S. president, having served from 1976 to 1980. Prior to that, the former peanut farmer and U.S. Navy submarine lieutenant served one term as Georgia governor starting in 1971.
The former president had a strong faith in God, teaching Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains for decades.
“To me, the relationship with God is a very personal thing,” said Carter. “God is ever present in my life. He gives me guidance when I turn to Him.”
Following his presidency, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter founded a non-profit based in Atlanta, and in 2002, he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work through the organization.
The Carters also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for more than 35 years.
His Connection to Billy Graham
While governor of Georgia, Carter served as an honorary chairman at Billy Graham’s 1973 Atlanta Crusade.
In 1994, Carter spoke at another Billy Graham Crusade in Atlanta, sharing how the evangelist asked for his help in the late 1960s.
Billy Graham wanted to hold a Gospel film outreach in Georgia and needed someone to spearhead the effort. Carter accepted the role and held integrated meetings in Sumter County—something Billy Graham insisted upon for all BGEA events.
“Jimmy Carter was the only man who had the courage to be the chairman,” Billy Graham said.
“When I went to the major churches, none of them would let us come in,” said Carter. “So we went to the basement of an abandoned school building and that’s where we had our integrated planning meetings.”
When the Gospel-centered film was shown in a local theater the next year, different races sat side by side. Hundreds of those attending went forward and knelt together as they made decisions for Christ.
During his lifetime, Billy Graham met with 13 U.S. presidents, including former President Carter. Many of the nation’s leaders looked to the evangelist for spiritual guidance and prayer.
Through the years, Billy and Ruth Graham visited the Carters in the Georgia governor’s mansion and later at The White House. Jimmy Carter took part in the Billy Graham Library dedication in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2007.
WATCH: Jimmy Carter shares Billy Graham’s influence on his spiritual life at the Billy Graham Library.
After Billy Graham’s passing on Feb. 21, 2018, Carter shared a message of condolence.
“Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of the Reverend Billy Graham. … Broad-minded, forgiving, and humble in his treatment of others, he exemplified the life of Jesus Christ by constantly reaching out for opportunities to serve.
“He had an enormous influence on my own spiritual life, and I was pleased to count Reverend Graham among my advisers and friends.”
Will you please pray for the Carter family during this difficult time?
