Today, President Joe Biden expressed profound sorrow at the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died peacefully at his home in Georgia at the age of 100. Known for his unwavering commitment to human rights and dedication to public service, Carter’s legacy as a leader and humanitarian resonates deeply across the nation and the world.
Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, entered hospice care in February 2023, marking a poignant chapter in a remarkable life dedicated to serving others. Having celebrated his centennial birthday on October 1st, he leaves behind a legacy characterized by compassion, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of peace.
In a heartfelt statement released earlier today, President Biden reflected on Carter’s impact, saying, “Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian. 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. 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 Biden continued, “He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism. We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts.To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To their staff – from the earliest days to the final ones – we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that carry on their legacy. And to all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong”.
“To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country,”concluded Joe Biden.
