Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, is reported to be in hospice care, completing the "final chapter" of his long and extraordinary life. From 1976 to 1980, he served a single crisis-ridden term marked by triumph and failure. After leaving the White House, though, he embarked on the most successful post-presidential career in American history.

Today, Carter is a global icon renowned for his humanitarian efforts. He has worked to eradicate infectious diseases and built houses for the poor. He established the Carter Center to promote democracy and expand human rights. He has traveled to more than 140 countries and conducted peace negotiations and monitored elections. He has written 32 books. He was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. And withal, he taught Sunday school into his mid-90s.