Former President Jimmy Carter, who recently passed away, had a deep affection for Wales, praising its beauty and culture throughout his life
Swansea: So, you know Jimmy Carter, right? The former U.S. President who just passed away at 100? He had a real soft spot for Wales. He even called it one of the most beautiful places he’d ever been to. Can you believe that?
He spent a lot of time there, especially on fishing trips. But here’s the kicker: he never got to visit Laugharne, the village where his favorite poet, Dylan Thomas, lived. A British Prime Minister talked him out of it, thinking it might stir up some nationalist feelings. How wild is that?
Carter was a remarkable guy. Even after facing some serious health battles, he kept pushing for peace and justice. His son shared that he was a hero to many, and it’s clear he made a huge impact on the world.
Before he was President, he was just a peanut farmer. But he climbed the political ladder, becoming Georgia’s Governor and then President from 1976 to 1981. He was all about civil rights and human rights, and that didn’t stop when he left office.
He co-founded the Carter Center, which does a ton of good work globally. Plus, he helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity. He leaves behind a big family, too—four kids, 11 grandkids, and 14 great-grandkids.
His love for Wales was genuine. He visited often, and he even made friends with a local fisherman during one of his trips. He said he’d been to over a hundred countries, but none compared to Wales. That’s some high praise!
He also had a lifelong admiration for Dylan Thomas. In fact, he helped get a memorial stone for Thomas placed in Westminster Abbey. He was really passionate about making sure Thomas got the recognition he deserved.
It’s a shame he never made it to Laugharne, but he did visit Swansea in 1995 to open the Dylan Thomas Centre. He shared how much he loved Thomas’s poetry and even recited it to his kids. What a legacy!
First Minister Eluned Morgan expressed her sadness over Carter’s passing, recalling how he spoke fondly of Welsh culture and Dylan Thomas. It’s clear he made a lasting impression on many.
