Jimmy Carter gained notoriety as the 39th president of the United States, but his legacy lies in his work dedicated to improving people’s lives worldwide.
Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100, was a man of faith whose humanitarian work transcended politics.
The former president died at home Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family, according to an announcement by the Carter Center in Atlanta.
The world reacts
News of the former president’s death drew tributes from state and world leaders.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released a statement about their longtime friend, calling him a man of “great character, courage, hope, and optimism.”
“Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well,” the Bidens said. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.”
President-elect Donald Trump said, “Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History. 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. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Trump added, “Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp extended condolences to the Carter family on behalf of his own.
“Marty, the girls, and I join all Georgians and the entire nation in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter,” the governor said. “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.”
Kemp recognized Carter’s humanitarian work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center, as well as his contributions as a state senator and the 76th governor of Georgia.
“Under his leadership, the European and Japanese state trade offices were launched, as well as the Georgia Film Commission. He and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s support of the civil rights movement in the place of its birth is also remembered with deep appreciation.”
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger also paid tribute to Carter’s years of public service.
“President Carter dedicated his life to serving our great nation and the people of Georgia,” said Raffensperger. “As a true servant-leader, he devoted his post-presidency to spreading the very best of American ideals across the globe. His commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights has left an indelible mark on the world.”
More reaction
President George W. Bush
“Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family.
James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.
We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family.”
Former President Bill Clinton and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others-until the very end. From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-Presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity-he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.”
French President Emmanuel Macron
“Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer
“Today, we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants, President Jimmy Carter. President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity. 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.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
“I was very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing and I would like to pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service.
His presidency will be remembered for the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and it was that lifelong dedication to peace that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.
Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.”
US Senator Mitch Mcconnell
“Elaine and I join the Senate and the nation in mourning the passing of our 39th president, Jimmy Carter.
President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most.”
US House Speaker Mike Johnson
“Today, the thoughts of Americans and the prayers of Congress are lifted up on behalf of the Carter family. President Carter’s story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace.”
US Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin
“Jimmy Carter proved that excellence in public service can extend beyond the White House. His life was an inspiration to those of us who aspire to lead a life of service.”
State funeral to be held
Carter had been in hospice care since February 2023. He made only a few public appearances since then, including at his wife Rosalynn’s funeral in November of 2023.
President Biden has ordered an official state funeral in Washington D.C. to honor the life, political and military service of the this “favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country.”
