National and local leaders are sharing their reactions to the death of former President Jimmy Carter and celebrating the life of a man who had one of the most significant and active post-presidencies in American history.
Carter died at his home in Plains about 3:45 p.m. Sunday, nearly two years after entering home hospice care. He was 100.
U.S. President Joe Biden delivered remarks on Carter’s death Sunday evening, touting the Georgia native’s “simple decency.” Biden recalled his fondest memories with Carter, including when he agreed to endorse Carter’s presidency in 1976, and decades later when Carter supported him and his family when his son Beau died of cancer.
“We may not see the like of him again, but we’d all do well to be a little more like Jimmy Carter,” Biden said.
The White House will hold an official state funeral in Washington D.C. The flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Georgia will fly at half-staff on all state buildings and grounds for 30 days, until Jan. 28.
In a statement, The Carter Center said that “President Carter believed in giving every effort, as broadly as possible, to make a positive difference in the world. His legacy will remain an ongoing inspiration to us at The Carter Center and to everyone who believes in compassion, justice, and human rights.” The Carter Center also provided a link for people to sign a condolence book or make a memorial gift.
President-elect Donald Trump said he and his wife Melania are thinking warmly of the Carter family during this difficult time.
“The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans,” he said. “For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Former President Barack Obama pointed to some of Carter’s greatest achievements during his four years in the White House, including the Camp David Accords that reshaped the Middle East, nominating Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1980 and becoming one of the first global leaders to recognize the problem of climate change.
Obama called Carter’s life after his four-year term “the most impactful, post-presidency in American history,” nearly eradicating Guinea worm disease, rebuilding thousands of homes for Habitat for Humanity and winning the Noble Peace Prize.
“He believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion,” Obama said. “Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God’s image.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens similarly pointed to the Carters’ humble beginnings and modest post-presidency, “never seeking riches and always being guided by their faith and values.”
“They labored to end diseases that others ignored and advance democracy where others saw no hope,” he said. “Sojourning from their modest home in Plains, they sought peace in war-torn regions and built houses with Habitat for Humanity.”
U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, chairwoman of the Democratic party of Georiga, called Carter “a north star for Georgia Democrats.”
“President Carter leaves one of the greatest legacies of humanitarianism in history. Throughout his long life of service, he never paused in his relentless pursuit of a more peaceful, healthy, and just world,” she said. “We will strive to carry forward his legacy of service and compassion while we work, as he did, to reshape his beloved home state for the better.”
U.S. Senators, including Raphel Warnock and Jon Ossoff, also shared their reactions to Carter’s death and the former president’s impact on their careers in public service.
“President Carter was one of my heroes,” Warnock said. “His leadership was driven by love, his life’s project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity.”
“From Plains to across the State of Georgia, the United States, and around the world, millions will forever admire and appreciate all that President Carter did for the United States and for the global community,” Ossoff said.
World leaders are also sharing their reactions, including King Charles III who recalled Carter’s visit to the United Kingdom in 1977 with “great fondness.”
”He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights,” he said. “His dedication and humility served as a inspiration to many.
French President Emmanuel Macron called Carter a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described his legacy as one of compassion, empathy and hard work.
“He served others both at home and around the world his entire life — and he loved doing it,” Trudeau said. “He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me.”
Global embassies in the U.S. including South Korea and Germany also expressed their gratitude toward the former president for his role in strengthening international ties and promoting peace and democracy abroad.
Here are some reactions from other leaders and local organizations:
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp: “As the only American president thus far to come from Georgia, he showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country. And as a son of Plains, he always valued Georgians and the virtues of our state, choosing to return to his rural home after his time in public office.”
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell: “President Carter lived a truly American dream. A devoutly religious peanut farmer from small-town Georgia volunteered to serve his country in uniform... And less than 15 years after his first campaign for the state Senate, his fellow Americans elected him leader of the free world.”
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson: “I know of no man in his post presidency who has had a greater impact on humanity than President Carter. His selfless service to mankind is unparalleled, as was his humbleness and fortitude.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: “From his legacy as President, to his dedication to improving human rights across the globe, and his tireless efforts alongside his wife Rosalynn, in building a better world through Habitat for Humanity, he inspired millions with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “At the heart of President Carter’s public service was his fervent commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within every person. He always defended that spark: whether teaching Sunday school in his beloved Marantha Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity.”
U.S. Senator Andy Kim: “President Jimmy Carter gave us a pure and lasting example of a public servant. His life and legacy will forever be a lesson on the power in one person’s will to do good.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: “More than most anyone in modern political history, President and Rosalynn Carter embodied the spirit of James 2:14-17, that faith without works is dead. President Carter’s faith guided him to be a powerful voice for peace everywhere. Whether as a Sunday school teacher, or a champion for human rights on the global stage, President Carter lived out his belief that all people are equal in the eyes of God.”
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison: “It is with great sadness, a heavy heart, and fond memories that we mourn the loss of President Jimmy Carter — a man who exemplified what it means to serve on behalf of the American people. President Carter led by example, urging Americans to act with kindness, follow their moral compass, and speak truth to power.”
Atlanta Braves: “While the world knew him as a remarkable humanitarian and peacemaker, we knew him as a dedicated Braves fan and we will miss having him in the stands cheering on his Braves.”
Atlanta Falcons Owner and Chairman Arthur M. Bank: “We first met at The Home Depot, and I will remember him as an enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer who was willing to roll up his own sleeves to build homes for others.” The Falcons and its Sunday night opponents, The Washington Commanders, observed a moment of silence in memory of Carter.
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