State and national officials lauded former President Jimmy Carter for his public service after learning of his death Sunday afternoon at the age of 100.
President Joe Biden said an official state funeral would be held for Carter in Washington.
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” Biden said. “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.”
President-elect Donald Trump urged everyone to keep the Carter family in their thoughts and prayers.
“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,” Trump said in a statement released from his campaign. “For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Former president Bill Clinton gave Carter and his wife Rosalynn the Medal of Freedom in 1999.
“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 fairer, better world,” Clinton and his wife Hillary said in a statement.
Former president George W. Bush hailed Carter as a man of deeply held convictions.
“President Carter dignified the office,” Bush said on social media. “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.”
Carter served as Georgia’s governor from 1971-1975 before becoming president.
Under his leadership, the European and Japanese state trade offices were launched, as well as the Georgia Film Commission,” Gov. Brian Kemp said. “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.”
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said Carter exemplified what it meant to be a public servant.
“I had the honor of meeting him and his wife, and I will never forget that day,” Jones said. “They were kind, wonderful, accepting and exactly what they portrayed every day, two people devoted to lifting up those in their community who needed help the most. President Carter’s legacy will live on in the numerous nonprofits, charities and organizations Rosalynn, his family and him started.”
