Former President Jimmy Carter, 100, died at his home in Plains, Ga., on Sunday, according to The New York Times and The Carter Center.

The newspaper reported that it was after he decided two years ago to forgo further medical care following a series of medical crises, according to two people close to the family and The Carter Center, the nonprofit he and his wife founded.

“At 100, he was the longest-lived president in American history and became known as much for his post-presidential diplomacy and charitable works as for his single, economically turbulent term in office,” The Times reported.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, said: “I’m devastated by the passing of my mentor and friend, Jimmy Carter, and join the nation in grieving the loss of this incredible leader.”

“He led this country with empathy, grace and determination, and I owe my journey in politics to him. From working on his primary presidential campaign in New Hampshire in 1975, I became inspired by his compassion for people and vision to make this country a better place. The values he passionately advocated for inspired my run for office, and I’ve made it my mission in the Senate to take the mantle of fighting for working families and justice. We have lost a titan of American politics, but our country is better for his unwavering service. I join with all Granite Staters in keeping the Carter family in our thoughts. May he rest in peace,” Shaheen said.

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-NH, said: “Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to building a more equitable country and world. As President, he strengthened our education system, protected the environment, and helped make possible the historic peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. In the years following his presidency, he continued to lead international peace-keeping efforts and championed human rights.

“President Carter made it his mission to improve the lives of Americans and people around the world. His commitments to building a more perfect union and advancing peace have helped to leave this world better than he found it. I join with people across New Hampshire, our country, and the world today in mourning his loss, and my prayers are with his loved ones at this time,” Hassan said.

The following biography for President Carter is courtesy of the White House Historical Association.

Jimmy Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for work to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

Jimmy Carter aspired to make Government “competent and compassionate,” responsive to the American people and their expectations. His achievements were notable, but in an era of rising energy costs, mounting inflation, and continuing tensions, it was impossible for his administration to meet these high expectations.

Carter, who has rarely used his full name–James Earl Carter, Jr.–was born October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. Peanut farming, talk of politics, and devotion to the Baptist faith were mainstays of his upbringing. Upon graduation in 1946 from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Carter married Rosalynn Smith. The Carters have three sons, John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff), and a daughter, Amy Lynn.

After seven years’ service as a naval officer, Carter returned to Plains. In 1962 he entered state politics, and eight years later he was elected Governor of Georgia. Among the new young southern governors, he attracted attention by emphasizing ecology, efficiency in government, and the removal of racial barriers.

Carter announced his candidacy for President in December 1974 and began a two-year campaign that gradually gained momentum. At the Democratic Convention, he was nominated on the first ballot. He chose Senator Walter F. Mondale of Minnesota as his running mate. Carter campaigned hard against President Gerald R. Ford, debating with him three times. Carter won by 297 electoral votes to 241 for Ford.

Carter worked hard to combat the continuing economic woes of inflation and unemployment. By the end of his administration, he could claim an increase of nearly eight million jobs and a decrease in the budget deficit, measured in percentage of the gross national product. Unfortunately, inflation and interest rates were at near record highs, and efforts to reduce them caused a short recession.

Carter could point to a number of achievements in domestic affairs. He dealt with the energy shortage by establishing a national energy policy and by decontrolling domestic petroleum prices to stimulate production. He prompted Government efficiency through civil service reform and proceeded with deregulation of the trucking and airline industries. He sought to improve the environment. His expansion of the national park system included protection of 103 million acres of Alaskan lands. To increase human and social services, he created the Department of Education, bolstered the Social Security system, and appointed record numbers of women, blacks, and Hispanics to Government jobs.

In foreign affairs, Carter set his own style. His championing of human rights was coldly received by the Soviet Union and some other nations. In the Middle East, through the Camp David agreement of 1978, he helped bring amity between Egypt and Israel. He succeeded in obtaining ratification of the Panama Canal treaties. Building upon the work of predecessors, he established full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China and completed negotiation of the SALT II nuclear limitation treaty with the Soviet Union.

There were serious setbacks, however. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan caused the suspension of plans for ratification of the SALT II pact. The seizure as hostages of the U. S. embassy staff in Iran dominated the news during the last 14 months of the administration. The consequences of Iran’s holding Americans captive, together with continuing inflation at home, contributed to Carter’s defeat in 1980. Even then, he continued the difficult negotiations over the hostages. Iran finally released the 52 Americans the same day Carter left office.

For more information about President Carter, please visit The Jimmy Carter Library and The Carter Center.

Learn more about James Carter’s spouse, Rosalynn Smith Carter.